URGENT HELP! Whale Rescue Equipment for Project Jonah

In the wake of the most recent mass stranding of pilot whales at Farewell Spit, Project Jonah’s volunteers once again stood on the front line in harsh conditions, racing against time to save lives.

Over the years Project Jonah’s skills, knowledge and rescue capability have become highly regarded both nationally and globally. But effective rescues rely on more than people power, they rely on equipment that can withstand extreme marine environments.

Right now, some of that equipment urgently needs replacing or upgrading:

One of our inflatable pontoons burst, a $10,000 loss of critical re-float equipment.

Drone technology has become vital, for rescue coordination and as a research tool. We need a high quality drone that can that can operate in punishing conditions. The cost of a drone is $4,800.

Strop bags, the cost of which are $180 -- designed and made locally by Tasman Bay Canvas -- are also needed for rescuers to wear in the water.

We need to upgrade VHF radios, around $400 each, to tougher, more waterproof units.

High-quality orange-handled shovels, used to dig water channels for stranded whales and later repurposed as highly visible re-float markers as the tide returns, we're also in need of.

Every item directly supports animal welfare and rescuer safety. Your support helps ensure Project Jonah teams are ready to respond quickly, safely and effectively when whales need us most.