News and Events for Nantucket Island
Have you noticed seals lying around on the beach? Do you know what to do if you see one? Are they ok? Should I pour water on him? Shoo him back into the ocean? Get up close and see if he’s breathing? Take a selfie with him because I can? None of the above! The answer is stay back 150 feet and call the Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket Hotline (833-667-6626). Their trained volunteers will advise you, ask for observations and then send a teammate out to check.
For more than 45 years Jean Rioux has advocated for the North Atlantic Right Whale and legislation to protect it. She has spent countless summers set up day and night on Main Street or Federal Street offering education, facts, and ways to help. Jean has collected thousands of signatures and shared her passion with each person signing. When COVID-19 struck the island last year, Jean was undeterred.
There were some budding young marine biologists out on ‘Sconset Beach in recent weeks. Armed with binoculars, clip boards, and tape measures, they are learning how to collect and record data for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, assess the health of seals on the beach, and help the public understand the “do’s and don’ts” around marine mammals we share the shore with. And some of them are only five-years-old!!
