by Ellie Poteat - NDP Intern, July 2015
Coming from a
ranch in Montana, I didn’t come here with a lot of relevant marine biology
knowledge. On my first boat day, I almost launched the trailer into the ocean
instead of the boat! After working here for a month, I have gained a better
understanding of what it takes to work with wildlife, and I learned how to
launch the boat!
Although I had a more challenging time adjusting to fieldwork
in the ocean, it was worthwhile to be able see the animals we study thrive in
their natural habitat. When we approached the Heaviside’s dolphins with the
boat, it’s like coming home to a pet puppy, they bounce around the boat as if
they are happy to see you! No matter where people come from, I think they can
appreciate the feeling of sharing a positive experience with these dolphins,
and to be able to help these dolphins continue to thrive is really fulfilling.
After going through the photos dolphin’s fins in the office to try and ID them,
I started to recognize some of the individuals. In a way, it felt like I got to
know some of them, so it made the work feel more meaningful. Working here made
me develop a deeper connection to the animals that inhabit this area, and I
will take back with me a greater appreciation for something that was previously
completely foreign to me.
