Still trying to clear the "what happened?" fog that has come over my mind
this evening as I have been awarded the Blue Whale Award.
I am deeply honored to be a part of such a dedicated and elite group of
dedicated volunteers. I learn from each of you as I participate, as I hope
you learn from me.
The opportunity to participate on the PID program, has given me new insight
on how to further engage the public into citizen science. With the help of
the Whale Alert app, we can further engage recreational boaters and the
general public to gather valuable data.
We always hear that the more senses we use (touch, smell, see, etc) during
a particular experience, the more we will remember it and connect with it,
the same can be said with engagement of the public for what we know is so
awesome with the Marine Sanctuary and National Park (you know which one I'm
talking about).
We can be the best at standing in front of a crowd of visitors and talking
about the wildlife, and you will connect with some. When our visitors see
the wildlife, they experience a greater appreciation, and more will feel
the connection. If we show them that they can participate in the data
collection, thus, the understanding and protection of the wildlife,
visitors themselves will now have a vested interest and feel THEY are
contributing to the study of these animals, then, they are hooked (pun
fully intended).
Again, thank you for the honor to serve with you all, and I'll see you out
there doing what we do best.
Regards,
Dino Dal Bon
