NECWA News Blog

NECWS's tent at the WOF NECWA was once again invited to the Wellfleet Oyster Festival (WOF) this fall. Once again, this event was fun and very productive for us. Lots of people stopped by our tent to pick-up information about the New England Basking Shark and Ocean Sunfish sighting network. By getting the word out, we hope to be able to learn more about these two large and not well understood fish that feed in our cold productive waters. Free Educational Material for NEBSHark. Marianne manning the booth! Lots of people stopped by our booth to chat and to purchase some merchandise to support our efforts. NECWA is an all-volunteer group so all profits go back to the animals through the purchase of supplies and equipment. Although we don't have kids sweatshirts, these lovely ladies decided to purchase a sweatshirt regardless. There is always time to grow into the sweatshirts! One of the activities that we offer is NECWA's "Make your ow...

Alex and Carly setting up NECWA's portable weighing tripod.  As of today, NECWA has responded to 3 ocean sunfish standings on the shores of New England. The first fish stranded dead off Quincy. The second fish stranded dead on the rocks that support the Wellfleet Pier. The third fish stranded live in Duck Creek marsh in Wellfleet, but was not able to be saved due to the very dangerous location where it stranded. Dead ocean sunfish in the marsh mud. Close-up view of the dead ocean sunfish.  NECWA responds to as many ocean sunfish as is possible and will rescue any live animals that are in need of assistance. If a carcass washes up on a local beach, then we conduct a necropsy (animal autopsy) to collect tissues and samples for research and education. Alex paying out the line as Krill tries to reach the carcass.  Here are some photos from our last necropsy which was conducted on October 3, 2015 in Duck Creek marsh. Krill had to kayak out to the fish which ...