The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

Protect Dolphins License Plate Available!!!

Volunteer

IMMS Emergency Volunteers

If you would like to assist IMMS with oil spill response you can sign up to become an IMMS emergency volunteer. To sign up, send an email with the following information to help@imms.org. You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer.

-First and Last Name
-Address
-Cell phone number
-Ability to receive text messages
-Email Address
-Proximity to Gulfport
-Physical limitations such as medical conditions or inability to lift heavy objects
-Relevant education or skills (Examples: SCUBA diver,veterinarian or vet assistant, biologist, medical professional, mechanic, operate heavy/special equipment, boat captain)

IMMS Core Volunteers

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is currently looking for volunteers to assist with research, educational, and conservational activities.

These activities include, but are not limited to:

Dolphin Stranding Surveys: Volunteers are needed to help walk designated areas of beach in Harrison, Hancock, and Jackson Counties, as well as the perimeter of the barrier islands. During these walks, volunteers survey our beaches for stranded dolphins and sea turtles (dead or alive). These surveys are an integral part of the research we do on stranded dolphins along the Mississippi coastline. We collect information from the remains of dead, beach cast dolphins and send tissues for laboratory analysis in an effort to learn more about trends and causes of these strandings in our area. This is an excellent experience for science majors. This is also an opportunity to take an invigorating boat trip in the Mississippi Sound with the potential to see wild dolphins on the way to the islands! Surveys are conducted monthly or bi-monthly, year-round, with the exception of spring months when we conduct surveys weekly.

Wild Dolphin Research: IMMS participates in a number of studies that take place in the Mississippi Sound that focus on our resident population of bottlenose dolphins and their environment. We will often utilize volunteers on the boat to act as observers and recorders.

Educational Programs: School groups frequent the Center for Marine Education and Research (CMER) throughout the year. Volunteers are invaluable at these events and play a number of roles. Volunteers are trained to be leaders to a small group of 5-25 students. They are also trained to act as docents at a variety of museum exhibits and as educators at our touch pool in the Discovery Room.

Community Outreach Events: IMMS is often invited to set up a table or booth at community festivals such as Earth Day and Celebrate the Gulf. At these events, staff and volunteers create awareness and educate the public about marine mammals and their environment.

Animal Care*: While IMMS is rehabilitating a dolphin or sea turtle, we often call upon our reliable and dedicated volunteers to assist us. They may have the privilege of conducting observations, making recordings, or even assisting staff during procedures.

Animal Necropsies: Volunteers who are interested in expanding their biologic background are welcome to participate in necropsies (animal autopsies) that are performed at CMER.

*Working with and around marine mammals is a job and privilege that we take very seriously. Only those volunteers who have proven to be dedicated, responsible, and reliable will be given opportunities in the animal care department. The Center for Marine Education and Research is a new facility. There will be many more opportunities for volunteers in the future as the facility grows.

Other FAQ’s

Q: How can I become an IMMS volunteer?
A: Contact IMMS at (228) 896-9182 or contactus@imms.org to set up an interview.

Q: How old do you have to be to become an IMMS volunteer?
A: For insurance purposes, all volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Q: How many hours do you have to commit?
A: Volunteers must be able to commit to at least 8 hours a month.

Q: Do IMMS volunteers get near the animals?
A: On the research boat – we only get close enough to the animals long enough to get pictures and environmental data.
At the research facility – we consider working with or near the animals a privilege that volunteers must earn through hard work, dedication, and commitment.
In the event that a live dolphin is found stranded – volunteers may be recruited to assist IMMS staff with the rescue of that animal.
In the event that a dead dolphin is found stranded – we will ask volunteers to assist IMMS staff with tissue collection or photography depending on the individual’s comfort level.