Bay Net

volunteers engaging with sanctuary visitor on the shoreline — Bay Net volunteers share information and enhance shoreline visitor experiences. Photo: Amity Wood/NOAA

Become a Bay Net Volunteer!

Bay Net interpretive naturalists have been located along the shoreline trails in Monterey and Pacific Grove engaging with visitors since 1995. With the use of spotting scopes and interpretive materials, Bay Net naturalists educate locals and visitors by introducing Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and wildlife that can be easily seen from shore, such as cormorants, pelicans, black oystercatchers, dolphins, sea otters, and harbor seals. A cohort of dedicated volunteers promoteresponsible wildlife viewing and help protect marine life from human disturbances. Volunteers also share their knowledge of the natural history of local wildlife to foster public appreciation and stewardship.

Bay Net interpretive naturalists are out on the trail year-round, but volunteers are instrumental in educating thousands of people about harbor seal mothers and their pups during the springtime pupping season. Volunteers are stationed at key viewpoints in order to engage with visitors, answer questions, share information about local populations, and promote responsible wildlife viewing guidelines and NOAA regulations.

volunteer engaging with sanctuary visitors on the shoreline — Bay Net volunteers engage visitors by showing and describing local wildlife seen along the shores. Photo: Amity Wood/NOAA

The Bay Net training program includes topics on interpretation, marine mammals, local bird life, oceanography, kelp forest, resource protection issues, and sanctuary regulations and enforcement. Volunteers also participate in weekend field trips to practice interpretation techniques and wildlife identification.

Commitment

Training Timeframe: February-March

Number of Training Days: Eight week training with Thursday evening seminars and Saturday field training

Minimum Volunteer Time Commitment: Two two-hour shifts per month

How to Apply

If interested in volunteering, please fill out a volunteer interest form. You can also download a PDF application and email to mbnms.volunteer@noaa.gov.

Note: volunteer positions are open to individuals at least age 16 or older and with U.S. citizenship or a person with U.S. legal permanent resident status. There is required paperwork and a NOAA Office of Security background check, which will begin before the start of your volunteer experience.