Wind and currents carry unusual things onto the beach throughout the year. Some are just unique oddities, others require response from the Aquarium. Staff spend many hours every year on the beach or outdoors in the region noting local phenomena. Responses vary considerably depending on need. If it’s a huge herring influx at the cove that brings in bait-seeking dolphins, it may only require passing the information to local news agencies so the public has an opportunity to share the experience. If it’s a dead marine mammal, it can require our staff, leaders of the local Marine Mammal Stranding Network, to assist in dissections to determine the cause of death. Live marine mammals are left on the beach with signs warning the public to remain at a safe distance. Exhausted birds pummeled by the surf are brought in by the public to rest at the aquarium and are released back into the estuary or are transferred to the Wildlife Rehab Center. If it’s a sea turtle or live animal, staff coordinate with larger aquariums to stabilize and transport the animal to someplace it might be rehabilitated. After large winter storms, they comb the beaches for kelp to feed the animals and possible skate egg casings. Some of the animals that wash ashore are not particularly unique in the ocean, but are unique to see appear on local beaches. (continued page 2) .