Throughout the 2018 GiveBig campaign, we are sharing the inspiring stories of the PTMSC’s support for marine mammals. Plan your donation now to support place-based, people powered, hands-on learning at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Knowledge is power, and together we can inspire even more people to conserve the Salish Sea!
If you think Port Townsend Marine Science Center volunteer Casey Gluckman’s involvement with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network is a random act of serendipity, think again! Indeed, her story is one of a lifelong call to action to protect marine mammals and ocean habitat.
After completing her master’s degree in geology at the University of South Florida, Casey met her future husband, David. She says that partnership “redirected her life,” leading her to pursue a law degree.
“Marine mammals continue to draw me, so working with the stranding program was a natural choice,” Gluckman says.
It has been 10 years since Gluckman joined the PTMSC’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteer corps. Her only regret is that she cannot devote more time to the effort.
Indeed, ask MMSN volunteers why they do what they do, and a common theme begins to emerge.
Gluckman explains: “Every stranding is a different story. Some are hard work, some are funny, some are sad. But each presents a teaching and a learning opportunity.”
Indeed, anyone who has ever gazed into the inky eyes of a harbor seal pup knows it’s often a case of love at first sight. They are among the most common of the marine mammals in the Salish Sea. But every hour spent guarding these precious pups is also an hour of unparalleled first-hand observation. In fact, many of the MMSN efforts relate directly to protecting seal pups during the busy summer tourist season.
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| PTMSC Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteer Casey Gluckman. |
After completing her master’s degree in geology at the University of South Florida, Casey met her future husband, David. She says that partnership “redirected her life,” leading her to pursue a law degree.
Casey and David then opened their law firm, focusing on environmental and land planning law.
“We also lobbied the state legislature and state and regional agencies for environmental groups and public interest health care organizations,” Gluckman says.
Gluckman was soon offered a job as the director of the Division of Resource Management in the state Department of Natural Resources. Among her many responsibilities was oversight of the state manatee protection program.
“I learned a lot about marine mammals and the coordination between federal, state and local governments, plus encouraging volunteer efforts by corporations and individuals,” Gluckman explains.
When the often-searing heat of Florida summers posed a health challenge, the Gluckmans packed up and headed north to the Olympic Peninsula, where they had visited several times.
Once settled, they began to pursue volunteer opportunities.
“We also lobbied the state legislature and state and regional agencies for environmental groups and public interest health care organizations,” Gluckman says.
Gluckman was soon offered a job as the director of the Division of Resource Management in the state Department of Natural Resources. Among her many responsibilities was oversight of the state manatee protection program.
“I learned a lot about marine mammals and the coordination between federal, state and local governments, plus encouraging volunteer efforts by corporations and individuals,” Gluckman explains.
When the often-searing heat of Florida summers posed a health challenge, the Gluckmans packed up and headed north to the Olympic Peninsula, where they had visited several times.
Once settled, they began to pursue volunteer opportunities.
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| Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteer Casey Gluckman on the beach near the Port Townsend Marine Science Center's Marine Exhibit. |
It has been 10 years since Gluckman joined the PTMSC’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteer corps. Her only regret is that she cannot devote more time to the effort.
Indeed, ask MMSN volunteers why they do what they do, and a common theme begins to emerge.
Gluckman explains: “Every stranding is a different story. Some are hard work, some are funny, some are sad. But each presents a teaching and a learning opportunity.”
Indeed, anyone who has ever gazed into the inky eyes of a harbor seal pup knows it’s often a case of love at first sight. They are among the most common of the marine mammals in the Salish Sea. But every hour spent guarding these precious pups is also an hour of unparalleled first-hand observation. In fact, many of the MMSN efforts relate directly to protecting seal pups during the busy summer tourist season.
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| Harbor Seal Pup #007 stranded. Photo courtesy of Michael Tarachow |
“The harbor seal pups present a great opportunity to interact with and educate the public while I keep learning,“ Gluckman says. “Last summer, a mom left her seal pup on the beach by the pier to the PTMSC marine exhibit during one of the busiest weekends of the summer. The little one created a ‘circus,’ interrupting many swimmers, walkers and boaters, especially when it decided to nap on the boat ramp!”
Several years ago, two several-hundred-pound elephant seals chose the downtown Port Townsend beachfront as their molting spot.
Several years ago, two several-hundred-pound elephant seals chose the downtown Port Townsend beachfront as their molting spot.
“They kept us hopping,” remembers Gluckman, “especially the one that went for a stroll in the middle of Water Street and had to be ‘encouraged’ back to the beach!”
When asked why she thinks people love volunteering for the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Gluckman answers without hesitation: “Who wouldn’t want to spend a couple of hours enjoying the beach while helping marine mammals at the same time!”
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Northern elephant seal, "Buddy," in 2013, one day after hauling out to molt.
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