A LITTLE BACKGROUND FIRST:
According to a publication from Ocean
Planet, a seacoast is the border between two worlds - the terrestrial (land) and
the marine (water). When you go to the beach, have you noticed how the
ocean's currents, waves, and winds sculpt the shoreline, by carrying off
and depositing sand? These forces of nature shape the land and affect
the living populations. Sometimes the animals that live in deeper water
are thrown off course. They come close to the shoreline and may actually
be found on the beach. They may be injured, sick, or lost and soon
become cold, hungry, or dehydrated. But there is help for some animals.
In many locations around New York, when beached animals are sighted,
professionals and volunteers from the Riverhead Foundation are on the
scene! Sick, cold, or injured animals are immediately rescued and placed
in a "rehabilitation" program so
that they will get well enough to be released back to their natural
habitat. Often the animals are tagged with a transmitter for future
tracking. Some of the marine animals that are tracked by the Riverhead
Foundation are cetaceans (marine mammals such as whales and
dolphins); pinnipeds (seals); and sea
turtles. Sea turtles are reptiles
that have existed for a very long time; but human activity has destroyed
their populations! Turtle species are either endangered or
threatened worldwide. (Endangered species
are in danger of becoming extinct; threatened
species could easily become endangered if we don't do something
to help.)
WHAT IS THE RIVERHEAD FOUNDATION'S MISSION??
The Riverhead Foundation's primary mission is the rescue,
rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured marine mammals and sea
turtles encountered in New York waters. The Riverhead Foundation is the only
organization authorized by New York State to carry on this important work in
conserving New York's marine environment! They respond to an average of 170 sick
and injured whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea turtles a year! Some of
these species are highly endangered and face the serious threat of becoming
extinct in our lifetime. The Foundation wants to inform New York's citizens and
school children about our marine environment and how they can aid in its
preservation.
