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Avian Influenza Detected at Año Nuevo State Park

A small number of young northern elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Park recently tested positive for H5N1, also known as bird flu. This is the first detection of H5N1 in California’s marine mammal population.

The risk of H5N1 to the public remains very low. We’re sharing guidance on how to protect yourself, your pets and marine mammals – and how you can help.

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Elephant seal
Samantha Martinez

Samantha Martinez

Community Outreach Coordinator

Sam has been part of the center for nearly three years, growing from intern to fellow, part-time associate, and now full-time Community Outreach Coordinator. 

Sam is most proud of her work connecting people of all ages to ocean conservation and inspiring communities to support a healthier, more resilient ocean. A highlight was contributing to the publication of a behavior change study with the Youth Crew 2024 cohort, a group of passionate student volunteers who reached over 8,000 visitors in just three months. The project helped reframe how we engage our audiences, turning awareness into tangible actions that support lasting change for our oceans.

Sam studied Marine Science at UC Davis with a minor in Education. She interned in a fish lab at UC Davis studying coho salmon and sturgeon, studied and researched at UC Davis' Bodega Bay laboratory,  and earned the UC Climate Steward award.

In her free time, Sam enjoys swimming, hiking, and running—anything outdoors and with a great view!


Areas of Expertise

  • Education
  • Conservation
  • Climate Change Interpretation

Recent Publications 

{"image":"\/People\/Action\/Education\/05. Youth Crew-Dan Friedman 24.jpg","alt":"Youth Crew","title":"Mobilising High School Volunteers as Conservation Ambassadors","link_url":"https:\/\/www.marinemammalcenter.org\/publications\/mobilising-high-school-volunteers-as-conservation-ambassadors","label":"Research Paper"}
Youth Crew
Research Paper

Mobilising High School Volunteers as Conservation Ambassadors

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