Learn More About Right Whale Conservation Efforts

Organizations and Program resources

Source: Woods Hole Currents

National Marine Fisheries Service
Office of Protected Resources
This federal agency is responsible for the enforcement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, which both demand stringent conservation of the North Atlantic right whale. NMFS supports intra- and extramural research and management programs to that end. http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr

New England Aquarium—
Right Whale Research Project
For more than two decades, the New England Aquarium in Boston has been conducting a comprehensive, continuous study of this endangered species. Researchers from NEAq work from Florida to Greenland to identify the distribution of the whales, behavior and migration patterns, genetics, reproductive rates, and causes of mortality. Through aerial and shipboard surveys, they have compiled a unique, extensive catalog of North Atlantic right whales, a critical tool in conservation and research efforts. For more information, write to: The Right Whale Research Team, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston,
MA 02110, or email to rwhale@neaq.org. http://www.neaq.org/scilearn/
research/rtwhale.html

IFAW
The International Fund for Animal Welfare works around the world to stop commercial whaling and to protect endangered whales for future generations. The mission of IFAW is to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW also seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people. To learn more, write to: IFAW, 411 Main Street, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675-1843 or send email to info@ifaw.org.
http://www.ifaw.org

The Center for Coastal Studies
From its field station in Province-town, Mass., members of the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) work on issues of habitat protection, ecosystem management, and marine mammal and marine wildlife conservation in the Gulf of Maine and the waters around Cape Cod. CCS conducts scientific research with an emphasis on marine mammals, while promoting stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems. It is the lead agency on the eastern seaboard for responding to large whales entangled in fishing gear. CCS also provides educational resources for shipping companies, municipal leaders, fishermen, government officials, and everyday citizens. To learn more, write to: Center for Coastal Studies, P.O. Box 1036, Provincetown, MA 02657, or send email to ccs@coastalstudies.org.
http://www.coastalstudies.org

WHOI Ocean Life Institute-
Right Whale Research Initiative
Over the next several years, scientists from WHOI, New England Aquarium, the Center for Coastal Studies, Trent University in Canada, and other institutions are planning a variety of studies aimed at: reducing accidental whale deaths caused by ship collisions and fishing gear entanglement; understanding critical factors affecting right whale habitats, nutrition, reproduction, and health; and monitoring the North Atlantic right whale population to assess its size, present state, and future viability.
http://www.whoi.edu/page.do?pid=12720