Cape & Islands News

Cape Cod Stranding Network to Merge With IFAW

Cape Cod Stranding Network to Merge With IFAW
Network had responded to 132 standing so far this year

Great things are on the horizon for the dolphins, whales, and seals that strand on Cape Cod and beaches around the world.

The Cape Cod Stranding Network (CCSN), a small non-profit organization founded in 1998 and dedicated to responding to stranded marine mammals on Cape Cod and southeastern Massachusetts, today announced it is in formal discussions to merge with IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare).

With a staff of only five individuals and a dedicated corps of more than 300 local volunteers, CCSN responds to 500-700 reports of stranded marine mammals each year. Under the proposed agreement, CCSN, including its employees, volunteers, and expertise, would become part of IFAW. "The entire CCSN staff is incredibly excited about this move. Utilizing the existing resources at IFAW will lessen our administrative burden, give us access to IFAW's international scientific and animal rescue experience, and will allow us to better focus on our mission of stranding response, research and public education.

This is a huge leap forward for us and for the animals," said Katie Touhey, Executive Director and Senior Scientist of CCSN."This merger is a great fit for both organizations," said A.J. Cady, IFAW's Director of Animals in Crisis and Distress, "As a founding member and long-time supporter we have been thrilled to see CCSN emerge as a leader in stranding response. By joining forces, IFAW is in a better position to provide our international connections and Emergency Relief staff to grow the stranding team on Cape Cod into the world's best.

The combined team is stronger, but we will always need the support of the Cape community.  This is, and will remain, a network of caring people giving their time and energy to save marine mammals. "CCSN and its many dedicated, trained volunteers will continue to respond to all reports of stranded marine mammals on Cape Cod and southeastern, Massachusetts.  "This is the next step in our long partnership with IFAW," said Sarah Herzig, Stranding Coordinator at CCSN. "Together we can be even more effective, but we can't succeed without help from the public and our partners at the New England Aquarium and the National Marine Life Center."