The San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network is currently recruiting volunteers on all islands in preparation for the upcoming stranding season.

Members of the Network respond to calls on both live and dead marine mammals that come ashore or wash up on local beaches.

Amy Traxler, Coordinator of the network, says that “even though we do response work year-round, June through August is the busiest time due to all the harbor seal pups that come ashore.”

There will be two classes offered – one in Friday Harbor and one at the Lopez library. Attending one of the classes is mandatory for volunteers, both old and new.

The first class will be held on June 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lopez Library. The second class will be held on June 17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the upstairs classroom at the fire station across from The Whale Museum.

To reserve a space in the class or would like additional information on what’s involved in being a volunteer, contact Amy Traxler at The Whale Museum at 378-4710 x27 or via email at amy@whalemuseum.org.