Support the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation (RFMRP)

Feb 22, 2012, 6:02 p.m.

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation (RFMRP) is turning to our representatives in this very distressing time. News from NOAA about the proposed cuts to the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program from the 2013 federal budget is very concerning.

As the only response and rehabilitation organization for marine mammals and sea turtles in New York State, support from the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program is crucial to our mission. Every year, the RFMRP responds to over 200 marine mammals and sea turtles in distress along New York's shores. The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program provides much needed support for this program enabling us to work with our community, and is the backbone of the network of professionals throughout the nation. The RFMRP is part of the northeast regional stranding network, a network of professional marine mammal responders stretching from VA to ME. Many of the issues encountered do not stop at state borders and require a network to address them. Without continued support animal calls could go unanswered.

New Yorkers care that there is not enough money to respond when they encounter a stranded dolphin on their local beach. They expect the RFMRP to say "We're on our way." However, without support from the John H. Prescott Rescue Assistance Fund, the RFMRP's already stressed resources will be further taxed.

Please support the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program by voting to keep the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program in the 2013 federal budget. Please contact the Executive Director/ Senior Biologist, Robert A. DiGiovanni, Jr., to learn more about how this grant program is essential to New York State. Call our office at 631-369-9840 or e-mail him at HERE.