News & Events

Rarely seen whale species died on Emerald Isle after ingesting Mylar balloon

14 November, 2023 - Our team assisted colleagues at NC State CMAST with the stranding investigation of a Gervais Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) calf. Read more about this investigation's tragic, but important findings here. 

Manatees continue to linger off NC coast, raising questions about future management plans

Volunteer Meeting - Program Introduction

• Join us for the first volunteer meeting of the Fall 2023 semester! We will go over important information & requirements for our volunteers, so attendance is required, in person or via Zoom. We are so excited about the trainings and opportunities planned for this semester!
• Topic: UNCW MMSP Volunteer Meetings
  Join the webinar
  Passcode: 797657

Volunteer Meeting - Research Highlights & Career Info

September  20th, 2023 - 6pm-7:30pm McNeil Hall 1005

• We will have guest presentations from researchers with the MMSP, info on how to get involved in their research, and other tips for preparing for a career in this field.
• Zoom Meeting Link: UNCW MMSP Volunteer Meetings
  Join the webinar
  Passcode: 797657

Volunteer Meeting - Necropsy Demonstration

October 1st, 2023 - 11am - 5pm at the Oriole Burevitch Laboratory (OBL) on campus.

• Necropsies (animal autopsies) are a key part of stranding investigations. This workshop will allow you to get up close and personal during an actual necropsy investigation. Remember to sign and submit your waivers in order to participate! (Links on our Volunteer page)

Volunteer Meeting - Resume Workshop w/ Leslie Wright

October 10th, 2023 - 7-8pm Dobo 1006

• As a follow-up to our Research Highlights and Career Info Session, we are partnering with the UNCW Career Center to go over how to best create a resume targeted towards pursuing a career in this field. 
• Zoom Meeting Link: UNCW MMSP Volunteer Meetings
  Join the webinar
  Passcode: 797657

Volunteer Meeting - Necropsy Sampling Workshops

November 8, 9, 14, 15 (Time TBD), Oriole Burevitch Laboratory

• Now that you've had the oppportunity to see what is involved in performing a necropsy, we will be holding a series of sampling workshops to introduce you to protocols for taking samples during this investigation. Come build your hands-on skills and learn about how and why we sample different tissues during a necropsy. 
• Pre-registration required, info coming soon!

Fall 2023 Community Events

Planet Ocean Seminar - An Overview of Marine Mammal Research at UNCW with Dr. Michael Tift

• During this presentation, Dr. Michael Tift will discuss several different ongoing research projects at UNCW involving marine mammal species found off the coast of North Carolina, all the way down to Antarctica. Specifically, Dr. Tift will cover his ongoing research project to understand the impacts of climate change on the most populous wild mammal on the planet, the crabeater seal, in Antarctica. He will also describe the usefulness of understanding marine mammal biology, as a mechanism to advance the fields of human and veterinary health. Finally, he will provide an overview of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, which plays a critical role in responding to sick, injured, and deceased marine mammals along the North Carolina coast.

• More info and registration on the UNCW CMS webpage

Femme in STEM - NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher

• Calling all women in STEM! Join us at Fort Fisher Aquarium for a hands-on showcase of women scientists in the Wilmington area. 

UNCW Center for Marine Science Open House

• Come see us at the UNCW CMS Open House to learn about the MMSP and our research!

Ocean Fest

• Check out our booth in the Eco Zone at Ocean Fest! Details and location info here.

Pizza Blast for Bio/Marine Bio Undergraduates

• If you are a current undergraduate student, come learn more about opportunities to get involved in the Bio/Marine Bio department! (there will be free pizza!)

Cape Fear River Watch First Saturday Seminar

• Join us as we discuss the ecology of marine mammal species that reside the Cape Fear Estuary!