Marine Mammal Research Volunteer (whales)

The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island, was founded in the summer of 1996 by a group of experts in marine mammal science, environmental sciences, education and conservation. CRESLI was formed for the purposes of conducting research, providing educational experiences and promoting conservation of coastal ecosystems. Research and education are inextricably linked in all CRESLI activities. As such, CRESLI actively seeks cooperative alliances withresearchers, educational institutions, and the participation of the public. Our pinniped and cetacean research projects, for example, utilize public whale watch cruises and sealwalks as platforms for collecting data and educating the public at the same time.Commercial fishermen, pleasure boaters, and the public at large have also been enlisted to providesighting information used in population and distributionstudies. This public participation has not only led to the finding that Long Island's coastlines provide a essentialhabitat for pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea turtles, but has also fostered greater awareness and appreciation of these animals and their habitats among fishermen, boaters and thepublic.Cooperative alliances with institutions such as Dowling College, CERCOM at Molloy College, and others are entirely consistent with CRESLI's mission and purpose. The sharing of resources, and coordination of activities, significantly enhances the opportunities for research and public education.In 2009, CRESLI was elected an affiliate member of the New York Marine Sciences ConsortiumThe NY Marine Sciences Consortium is "the voice of New York State’s marine science academic com-munity and strives to influence public policy,communicate science, and increase funding for the marine sciences within New York.CRESLI is now also a member of theCitizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) of the South Shore EstuaryReserve (SSER).The CAC’s purpose "is to integrate the stakeholder concerns in the planning and decision-making process and to encourage pub-lic educationand stewardship.",CRESLI volunteers are an invaluable resource and participate in all of our activities, including marine mammal research expeditions and cruises, data collection and public education programs. Volunteers receive hands-on training and experience from CRESLI's professional staff while participating in challenging and rewarding activities.