Situated in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the nation’s oldest fishing port, the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office works hand in hand with partner agencies, the fishing industry, international partners, non-governmental organizations, tribal nations, and members of the public to achieve our goals of sustainable use of living marine resources, conservation of the habitats upon which these resources depend, and the protection of endangered and threatened species that spend all or part of their lives in the ocean, and marine mammals.

Our work focuses on three main goals:
Protect and restore important fish habitat
Promote and preserve sustainable fisheries
Protect marine wildlife

Whale and Dolphin Conservation is the leading global charity dedicated to the protection of whales and dolphins. Our vision of a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free is not a noble gesture, but an essential means to sustain the future of our Earth by increasing the planet’s climate resiliency.

Our work focuses on four main goals:
Stop whaling
Create healthy seas
Prevent bycatch
End captivity

The New Bedford Whaling Museum ignites learning through explorations of art, history, science and culture rooted in the stories of people, the region and an international seaport. The NBWM aims to advance understanding related to the influence of the whaling industry and the port of New Bedford on the history, economy, ecology, arts, and cultures of the region, the nation and the world.

Our work largely focuses on learning from, teaching about, and reflecting on humans’ collective impact in our community, as well as inspiring all visitors to reflect on the complex issues that shaped the past, remain critical today, and inform a sustainable future.

The National Marine Sanctuary System: Safeguarding America’s Premier Marine Places

From Washington state to the Gulf and from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Islands, the National Marine Sanctuary System protects 18 underwater parks spanning over 629,000 square miles of ocean and Great Lakes waters. By investing in innovative solutions, we strengthen these iconic places to address 21st-century challenges while supporting America’s commerce and tourism. These unique locations inspire people to visit, value, and steward our nation’s iconic ocean and Great Lakes waters.

Several sanctuaries stand out for their remarkable whale populations and exceptional opportunities to observe whales  in their natural habitat. These include Stellwagen Bank, Channel Islands, Monterey Bay, Greater Farallones, and Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale national marine sanctuaries.

The Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area, a designation under the World Cetacean Alliance and World Animal Protection, is one of 12 designated regions around the world where whales, dolphins, and porpoises are celebrated through responsible tourism, education, research and conservation, and our deep cultural connection to these remarkable species. The designation inspires communities and visitors alike to actively engage in protecting whales and the health of their ocean home.

The Marine Mammal Center advances ocean health through marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, research and education. As the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, the Center has a unique opportunity to save and study marine mammals, giving them insight into ocean changes that impact every living thing on Earth.  The Center works to reduce threats to marine mammals, reverse population declines, prevent marine mammal extinctions, protect marine environments, and build the ocean conservation movement.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island supports the See a Spout? Watch Out! program by offering program materials at their visitor center and incorporating responsible viewing practices for marine like into their exhibits.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary supports the See a Spout? Watch Out program by educating boaters in New England and mid-Atlantic states about boater safety around marine wildlife.

The 11th Hour Racing Team supports the See a Spout? Watch Out! program by implementing and promoting responsible operating practices during races.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection includes boater safety around whales in their boater education courses.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council is an advisory body of community members that ensures public participation in sanctuary matters and provides advice to sanctuary management. The council helped launch the Hawaiʻi version of the Spout Spotter course by championing the development of an online boater education program and contributing guidance and content review.