Harbor Porpoise Release

Date: July 9, 2007
Contact: Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Foundation Director/Senior Biologist
631-369-9840
rdigiovanni@riverheadfoundation.org

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation announced on July 7, 2007 that release plans have been authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to release “Orville” a young harbor porpoise on July 10, 2007. Kim Durham, Rescue Program Director for the Riverhead Foundation announced today that following four months of care at the Riverhead Foundation’s hospital facility located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, “Orville” will be released with much celebration to the waters approximately 6-8 miles SE of Shinnecock Inlet.

“Orville”, a male harbor porpoise, approximately one year in age, was reported stranded on March 1, 2007 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Marine biologists from the Riverhead Foundation were called upon by the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program to provide a long term rehabilitation facility for the ailing porpoise. “Orville” arrived at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium on March 2nd and has been under the medical care of Drs. Richard Hanusch, Aquebogue Veterinary Hospital and Robert Pisciotta, North Fork Animal Hospital. This release marks the second time the Riverhead Foundation has successfully rehabilitated a harbor porpoise and will be the second satellite tagged harbor porpoise released into the waters of New York State. A journal on “Orville’s” rescue and recovery can be found by visiting the Riverhead Foundation’s website www.riverheadfoundation.org.

At 10:00 am Orville’s release procession will pass through the Shinnecock Inlet and continue offshore where he will be released back to the wild. This release is made possible through the generous donations of Mr. Charles Bowman of Landuse Ecological Services for the donation of his vessel the R/V Fire Island and Mr. Paul Grosser of P.W. Grosser Consulting for providing a support vessel. Escort for the release vessels will be the Suffolk County Sheriff Marine Patrol and the United States Coast Guard.

The Riverhead Foundation could not do this important work without its many community partnerships. Thanks to this network of many “Orville” and many other marine mammals have gotten a second chance at life. Thanks to many of our supporters both large and small, we are able to continue this important work. Special thanks to Senator Carl Marcellino, Assemblyman Robert Sweeney and Assemblyman Marc Alessi for allocating much needed funds to support the continuing efforts of the Riverhead Foundation. Also, a special thank you to the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program for working beside us to save “Orville” and the many other marine mammals that need our help.

Supporters can monitor Orville’s travels by visiting the Riverhead Foundation’s website where a map detailing his most recent location can be tracked.

Photo & Video opportunity available (call to confirm time)
8:00 Atlantis Marine World capture and preparation for transport
9:00 Arrival at USCG Shinnecock for loading onto release vessel
10:00 Procession through Shinnecock Inlet

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