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Whale Research and Conservation Groups

The following list includes websites with information on whale conservation, whale research, photos,links, and current information on whale rescues, etc.

The American Cetacean Society National Headquarters
Point Fermin Park
San Pedro, CA

mailing address:
P.O. Box 1391
San Pedro, CA 90733

310-548-6279

www.acsonline.org

The American Cetacean Society protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.

Founded in 1967, the American Cetacean Society (ACS) is the oldest whale conservation group in the world... with an office in San Pedro, California and chapters in Los Angeles, Orange County, Puget Sound (Seattle), Monterey, San Francisco, and the Channel Islands (Santa Barbara / Ventura).

We take our responsibility as participants in the web of life seriously, and volunteer our time and resources to not just protect whales, dolphins and porpoises, but to promote the health of the oceans and ultimately our planet as well.

Associated Scientists
at Woods Hole
3 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543

mailing address:
P.O. Box 721
Woods Hole, MA 02543

508-540-5050

www.aswh.org
ASWH partners with Marineland in Florida in the Marineland Right Whale Project to study and survey the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales that calve off the coast - a great program: "See Citizens team with scientists in conservation efforts and stewardship for endangered North Atlantic Right Whales on their calving and wintering grounds in coastal waters of northeastern Florida." See photos and other information on the site and if you live or visit the St. Augustine area in the spring, become a volunteer!

The New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110

617-973-5200

www.neaq.org
The Aquarium is involved in right whale research and animal rescue, see:
Right Whale Research: http://www.neaq.org/scilearn/research/landing.php?linkname=Whales

North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium

www.rightwhaleweb.org

"The North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium consists of a number of both non-governmental and governmental organizations and individuals in the United States and Canada who work to study and conserve North Atlantic Right Whales. This site was created to provide information to the public on right whale research and conservation."

This is an online entity only, representing a number of groups.

Provincetown Center
for Coastal Studies
115 Bradford St.
Provincetown, MA 02657

www.coastalstudies.org

"A private non-profit organization for research, conservation, and education in the coastal and marine environments."

Check their website for information on and photos of whale rescues.

The Whale Center
of New England
24 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA 01930

mailing address:
P.O. Box 159
Gloucester, MA 01931

978-281-6351

www.whalecenter.org

"The Whale Center of New England (WCNE), formerly the Cetacean Research Unit, was founded in 1980 to study the whales frequenting waters off the Massachusetts coast, especially Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge. We conduct field research from our research vessel Silver II, and from public whale watch boats.

A pre-eminent research institution, its over 25 years of field-based studies... are the basis for many published scientific articles by the Whale Center's staff and interns, the development of educational materials, and involvement in conservation efforts involving marine animals and their habitat."

An extensive site has all kinds of information, photos, etc.

Whale Watches

The whale watch sites below include links to video of whales, whalesongs, and other whale sites. With the exception of a trip to San Juan Island in Washington to see Orcas (killer whales), I haven't had the pleasure of a whale watch outside of New England, so my recommendations are limited.Whale watches are seasonal (in New England from April through October), depend on the weather, and sell out - so always call ahead.

The New England Aquarium
Central Wharf
Boston, MA 02110-3399

Whale Watch:
617-973-5206

www.neaq.org

I haven not been on an Aquarium trip but expect to go soon. The New England Aquarium is very involved in whale conservation and research (see above). The destination is Stellwagan Bank.

Dolphin Fleet Info. Center
132 Bradford Street
Provincetown, MA

800-826-9300

www.whalewatch.com

The Dolphin Fleet is said to be the first whale watch on the east coast and the company is dedicated the study and preservation of whales and the marine environment. They work closely with local groups, such as the Center for Coastal Studies (see above), and national groups. A naturalist accompanies each trip to record information and teach the public about whales.The destination is Stellwagan Bank.

Capt. Bill And Sons
Whale Watch
24 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA 01930

978-283-6995
800-339-4253

www.captbillandsons.com

This was my first whale watch and I'm still going back. Captain Bill works closely with the Whale Center of New England (see above), assisting with whale research, and naturalists from the Whale Center are on each trip to teach about whales and record information about the whales sighted.The destination is Stellwagan Bank.
email mark@fosterartandbooks.com