1.
What law, created by NOAA, protects marine mammals, dead or alive, from harassment, hunting, and captures in the United States?
Correct Answer
B. Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972
Explanation
The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 is the correct answer because it is a law created by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) that protects marine mammals from harassment, hunting, and captures in the United States. This act was established to ensure the conservation and management of marine mammal populations, as well as to prevent their depletion or extinction. It prohibits the harassment, hunting, capture, and importation of marine mammals, and also sets guidelines for the public display of these animals.
2.
Check all that apply. Why is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for every response?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Protect you from the sun (if applicable)
C. Protect you from the spread of diseases
D. Protect you from injury while on a response
Explanation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for every response to protect individuals from various hazards. It is important to wear PPE to protect oneself from the spread of diseases, as it acts as a barrier against pathogens. PPE also protects individuals from injury while on a response, as it includes items like gloves, helmets, and safety goggles. The statement "Protect you from the sun (if applicable)" suggests that PPE may include items like sunscreen or protective clothing to shield individuals from harmful UV rays if they are working outdoors.
3.
Check all that apply. What PPE is required for a response?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Proper Clothing
B. Boots (close toed shoes)
D. Sun protection (sunglasses and/or hat)
E. Gloves
Explanation
The correct answer is Proper Clothing, Boots (close toed shoes), Sun protection (sunglasses and/or hat), and Gloves. These items are necessary for a response because proper clothing helps protect against hazards and provides visibility, boots protect the feet from injuries, sun protection is important for outdoor work to prevent sunburn and eye damage, and gloves are essential for hand protection.
4.
How do we record data for each individual stranding?
Correct Answer
C. Filling out a stranding response report to the best of our
abilities
Explanation
The correct answer is filling out a stranding response report to the best of our abilities. This is the most comprehensive and organized method of recording data for each individual stranding. It allows for detailed information to be documented, including the species, location, condition, and any other relevant observations. This report serves as an important record for research, analysis, and future reference in understanding and managing marine mammal strandings.
5.
As a stranding volunteer, I respond to stranded animals when the _______ requests my assistance in a response.
Correct Answer
A. Stranding Coordinator(s)
Explanation
The correct answer is "Stranding Coordinator(s)". This is because the stranding coordinator is the person or group responsible for coordinating and managing responses to stranded animals. They are the ones who would typically request the assistance of a stranding volunteer when a stranded animal is reported. The other options, such as a person walking on the beach or the public, may come across a stranded animal and report it, but they would not be the ones specifically requesting the assistance of a stranding volunteer. Tom Cruise is unrelated to the context and is not a relevant option.
6.
What if my neighbor tells me about a stranding and he knows I am a volunteer?
Correct Answer
B. Call the Stranding Coordinator(s)/Hotline first to notify stranding network of the situation and they will send you or another volunteer out for a response
Explanation
If my neighbor tells me about a stranding and he knows I am a volunteer, the best course of action would be to call the Stranding Coordinator(s)/Hotline first to notify the stranding network of the situation. By doing so, the stranding network can be informed immediately and they can send me or another volunteer out for a response. This ensures that the appropriate authorities are notified and the necessary actions can be taken in a timely manner.
7.
When is the proper time to report an interaction (bite, scrach, injury, or illness) with a marine mammal to Patrick or Joe?
Correct Answer
C. Right after the interaction
Explanation
Right away-call Patrick or The Whale Museum and have the particular event in mind . If symptoms of sickness occurs, go see your doctor. Tell them about your interaction with the stranded marine mammal. Tell the doctor to contact TWM or Joe at SeaDoc to talk about pathogens that could have been encountered during your interaction with the stranded animal for more precise testing.
8.
After the Stranding Coordinator calls you to respond, you are on your own.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False, when you get a call to perform a response, a call to the coordinator when you arrive on scene and assess the situation is required. From this, the coordinator and volunteer can formulate an effective response based on the situation.
9.
Why is the Stranding Network via The Whale Museum allowed to respond to stranded marine mammals?
Correct Answer
C. TWM has a Letter of Authority from National Marine Fisheries Service to respond, collect, and perform necropsies on stranded marine mammals.
Explanation
The Stranding Network via The Whale Museum is allowed to respond to stranded marine mammals because they have a Letter of Authority from the National Marine Fisheries Service. This letter grants them permission to respond to, collect, and perform necropsies on stranded marine mammals. This authorization ensures that they have the necessary expertise and legal authority to handle and study stranded animals.
10.
BONUS: Check all that apply. What is the volunteer's responsibility when interacting with the public while on a response? (If you get this questions right it'll be a +1 correct answer to your score, if you get it wrong, there is no negative impact on your score).
Correct Answer(s)
A. Education about stranded marine mammals
C. Keep people and dogs a safe distance away from stranded animals
Explanation
This was not in the notes or powerpoint, but was discussed at the trainings. When interacting with the public educate them on stranded animals. This includes when an animal cannot be picked up for rehab. Educate the public on natural mortality of seal pups (50% don't make it), talk about 24-48 hour monitoring period and how it is normal for a seal pup's mom to be away from it due to the need to forage. Also, keep the public and dogs away 100 yds at LEAST if you are monitoring a live seal or examining a dead one.
11.
What are three things mentioned in the training materials that we can learn from stranded marine mammals?
Correct Answer
A. Diseases present in a population, Food availability for marine mammals, Diet of a species
Explanation
The training materials mention three things that can be learned from stranded marine mammals: diseases present in a population, food availability for marine mammals, and the diet of a species.
12.
Bonus. How long does a harbor seal nurse and stay with mom? (If you get this questions right it'll be a +1 correct answer to your score, if you get it wrong, there is no negative impact on your score).
Correct Answer
C. 4-6 weeks
Explanation
Harbor seal pups typically nurse and stay with their mothers for a period of 4-6 weeks. During this time, the mother provides milk and teaches the pup essential survival skills such as swimming and hunting. After this period, the pup becomes independent and starts to explore the surrounding environment on its own. This bonding period is crucial for the pup's growth and development before it ventures out into the world on its own.
13.
What is the Northwest Region and SJCMMSN's rehabilitation policy for picking up harbor seal pups?
Correct Answer
A. We pick up harbor seal pups that have had negative interactions with humans (dog attack, injury, and fishery interactions).
Explanation
Harbor seal pup rehab candidates are judged on a case to case basis. Rehabilitation facilities are limited in the region and are used for emergency situations (NOAA NW Regional Guidelines). We also have a healthy population of seals and it is natural for 50% of them not to make it. If we do rehab pups that do not meet the pick up requirements (effected by human interaction) we are potentially putting back weak individuals back into a healthy population.
14.
How far away, if possible, should the public and dogs stay away from stranded marine mammals?
Correct Answer
B. 100 yds
Explanation
Marine mammals that are stranded on the beach can be stressed, injured, or carrying diseases, so it is important for the safety of both the public and the animals to keep a safe distance. Staying 100 yards away from stranded marine mammals allows for a buffer zone that minimizes disturbance and reduces the risk of harm to both humans and animals. This distance also gives marine mammal rescue teams enough space to safely approach and provide necessary assistance to the stranded animals.