An education and volunteer coordinator with New York Marine and Rescue Center in Riverhead discussed the importance of preserving the marine environment during a virtual Earth Week seminar hosted by St. Joseph’s College.
“Protect and preserve the marine environment through conservation efforts, including rescue, rehabilitation, education and research,” said Nicole Valenti, echoing the rescue center’s mission statement.
Dozens of SJC students, including members of the Sustainability Committee and the Green Team, attended last month’s seminar, during which Valenti provided insight on how you can help marine life.
“Be informed and educate others,” said Valenti, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Vertebrate Biology. “Walk and monitor our beaches, clean garbage and debris, and report sightings (injured marine life) to the New York Marine Rescue Center. You can become a volunteer or intern and join the rescue team.”
Valenti explained how the rescue center seeks to conserve marine mammals and sea turtles, protect endangered species, study viruses and diseases, and encourage others to do the same with scientific research and public education programs. She noted that the rescue center is the only facility in New York permitted to rehabilitate marine mammals and sea turtles.
