Marine Animal Response Society (mars)

THE AWARD

Established in 1978 by the Canadian Wildlife Federation as a tribute to former governor general Roland Michener (1900-1991). An outstanding outdoorsperson and role model for a generation, he was an honourary president of the CWF. The award is given each year to an individual or organization demonstrating a commitment to conservation through responsible activities that promote, enhance and further the conservation of Canada’s natural resources. There are two winners this year.

Since its founding in 1999, the Marine Animal Response Society has

been one of the main front-line responders to marine animal strandings, entanglements and entrapments in the Canadian Maritimes and has documented over 3,000 incidents involving numerous different species. Driven by a small team of deeply committed staff, MARS and its toll-free 24/7 hotline offer Maritime communities and industry immediate access to expert advice on whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea turtles and sharks. MARS has expanded its reach by working with regional, national and international partners to share its expertise in disentanglement, solitary and vagrant animals, forensic investigation of dead animals, and responding to live stranded animals. It developed the first marine mammal medic course in Canada and maintains a strong focus on education, outreach and volunteer training. With more than 400 trained volunteers, extensive education work, and the hundreds of calls to the hotline it fields every year, MARS actively engages Canadians in the welfare of marine animals.