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The Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation Institute held a fundraiser June 20, aboard the Keen Lady IV, giving group members and sea life enthusiasts stunning views of dozens of dolphins in the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and Delaware Bay.
The evening cruise hosted 120 people who relaxed and took in the sights as they learned of the various sea animals that inhabit the local waterways.
Executive director for Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute, Suzanne Thurman, explained that more than 30 species of marine mammals and sea turtles can currently be found along Delaware’s coast, all of which are federally protected, and many of which appear on the endangered species list.
Early summer is a particularly active time for whales, porpoises and dolphins that arrive in the area in search of rich feeding grounds. Small fish and organisms are found in abundance along Delaware’s coast, said Thurman, often leading larger animals into a lesser-known, more hazardous environment. Common causes of strandings along the beach include boat strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, oil spills and ingestion of plastics and other marine debris, she said.
The MERR Institute is best known for its efforts to save suffering sea creatures, often returning dolphins and turtles to the ocean. The nonprofit organization has been authorized as the official rescue team for such animals by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the state of Delaware.
Since the institute opened in Lewes in 2004, members have been involved in dozens of rescues and removal projects. This includes a three-day response that occurred two years ago when a dead 55-foot, 70,000-pound fin whale washed ashore on Middlesex Beach.
While such rescue efforts have made MERR well known throughout Delaware, this is merely one of the many functions of the expanding group, said officials. The organization is also heavily involved in research of the local marine ecosystem, it promotes the preservation of coastal wildlife and it strives to enhance public awareness of environmental issues through various educational programs.
The dolphin-viewing event raised $6,000 for research and programs in the future.
For Thurman, the yearly trip is not only held to raise funds for the group, but to give members of the local community a better understanding and appreciation of Delaware’s unique marine life, she said.
“It is so beautiful to be out on the Keen Lady IV, watching the sun set and seeing dolphins feed and play around you,” said Thurman. “Everyone who came to support us tonight experienced something very special.”
Teller Wines, Café Azafrán, La Rosa Negra, Eden and Touch of Italy donated refreshments for the event and the Parsons family donated the use of the Keen Lady IV, which made the evening possible. The next event for the group is the annual dolphin count Saturday, July 19.
Prospective members and aspiring volunteers should contact Suzanne Thurman at 302-228-5029. The MERR Institute can be visited online at www.merrinstitute.org.
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