Our Conservation Philosophy

The Whale Center of New England has conducted research on a number of endangered species. These range from the North Atlantic right whale, which is on the verge of extinction (numbering only 300-350 in the entire ocean, and declining), to more numerous, yet still depleted, species such as the finback whale. As scientists, we feel that it is our obligation to aid in the recovery and conservation of these animals. Further, we feel that it is important to use our knowledge and ability to understand primary data to evaluate conservation needs and priorities. When questions arise about conservation issues, we can see if either existing data, or information we can gather, can help clarify the issue.

Our research work on a whale feeding ground has also told us how important the habitat and prey source is to the well-being of not only whales and other marine mammals, but all ocean life. Hence, we work hard to support marine habitat conservation throughout the New England area and beyond.

Whale Center staff conducts conservation efforts in several ways. We serve on numerous official government task forces and committees that address particular problems. By using this route, we can often work directly with people involved in all sides of an issue, and together develop workable solutions. At times where a more widespread group needs to make their opinions known, we have thousands of members that we can call on through timely conservation alerts. These are included in each issue of our quarterly newsletter, Flukeprints, and can be distributed through an electronic mailing list and/or through special mailings.