Special Guest from The Sea In Her Blood Exhibit: Tonya Wimmer, Marine Animal Response Society
7 pm, free (donations welcome)
From a very early age growing up along the shores of Nova Scotia, Tonya has always had an interest in the oceans, particularly in the enigmatic lives of large marine animals such as whales. During her time at Dalhousie University studying various whale species in the waters around Nova Scotia and further abroad, she was exposed to the many threats faced by these ecologically important species. Since then, the focus of her work has primarily been related to the conservation and protection of these animals and advocating for their place in and right to a healthy marine ecosystem.
In 1999, Tonya founded the Marine Animal Response Society. This charitable organization is dedicated to the conservation of marine animals in Canada. Through the hard work of a small team, MARS works with many partners, government, communities and industry throughout the Maritime Provinces to safely assist live animals in distress and to study those that have died. Of concern is understanding the impacts our activities have on them and to identify and work with others to implement measures to reduce these impacts. She will discuss her journey, the importance of these animals and a healthy ocean and the critical conservation role of MARS.
