Our Coastal Wildlife Observers
Coastal Wildlife Observers - CWOs are trained members of the general public who collect data on marine wildlife that are sighted in the waters off New England. These trained field observers collect sighting information and photographic images of individual animals that they opportunistically sight from shore or from a vessel offshore.
CWOs form the foundation of our reporting system and they represent a network of dedicated observers interested in the natural history and wildlife of coastal New England. NECWA would like to thank all of our CWOs who help make this project a success. From time to time, NECWA will highlight one of our Coastal Wildlife Observers to honor their valuable work and efforts offshore. Read about these amazing people of New England who are helping scientists learn more about basking sharks and other coastal wildlife of New England.
Today we honor the work and dedication of Eileen and Ron Armonath.
Ron and I were out enjoying a beautiful day offshore aboard a whale watching boat and noticed a man in uniform taking notes. Ron questioned him and discovered that he was a Coast Guard Auxiliary member recording data for the Coast Guard. That’s all it took to get us to join the Auxiliary!
As Auxiliary members, Ron and I work at the Coast Guard Air Station each month, collect data aboard whale watching boats once each week and volunteer for special events and functions (like cooking 200 hamburgers and 150 hot dogs at Coast Guard picnics). Over the years, we have made many new and wonderful friends among our flotilla members. What could be a better way to spend your retirement?
When not working aboard commercial whale watching vessels, Ron and I love to go offshore in our own boat. And we enjoy many other outdoor activities like walking the service roads along the Cape Cod Canal. Each year, we travel abroad to exotic destinations, including a trip to China to travel down the Yangsee and Li Rivers, and a trip to Africa to go on safari. We also volunteer with the Cape Cod Stranding Network and have participated in several seal transports for this organization. We are happy to play a small part in protecting our marine mammals and their environment.
We have honored previously the work and dedication of David Morin.
David Morin has been working closely with the US Coast Guard for over 4 years. He is a USCG licensed 6-Pack Captain and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. His Auxiliary ratings include Coxswain, Vessel Examiner, Air Observer and several other designations. Dave also manages his own 2 businesses: A Burial At Sea and Arrowhead Acres an Agri-Tourism and Wedding facility.
Dave enjoys being offshore as an Auxiliary Marine Mammal Observer and has helped to collect basking shark data for NEBShark for over 3 years.
We have honored previously the work and dedication of Warren Disbrow.
Warren Disbrow is a civil engineer by trade. Warren is an accomplished photographer with numerous book and magazine credits. Photography has been a life-long passion that can be applied to many diverse subjects. Warren’s favorite subjects are nature and wildlife, including landscapes and animals.
While growing up, Warren spent many days out on the waters of Long Island Sound fishing. An early interest in Marine Biology almost became a career. Coming full-circle, that interest has now manifested as a hobby, with humpback whales taking center stage. Warren’s other interests include cleaning up the Earth and Native American studies.
