New Research Vessel for Gloucester-based Whale Center of New England

March 29, 2008

The Whale Center of New England, based in Gloucester, MA, has purchased a new research vessel, a 42-foot commercial-grade former fishing vessel.

The Whale Center’s research vessel allows researchers to collect a variety of data unavailable from other platforms. Long-term studies of endangered humpback, right, and fin whales involve identifying individual whales by photographing natural markings.

While some of this information can be collected from local whale watch vessels, the research boat allows longer times at sea and access to areas that take too long for whale watch boats to reach.

The Whale Center of New England is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1980 to study the whales frequenting waters off the Massachusetts coast, especially on Stellwagen Bank and Jeffreys Ledge. The Center’s mission is to conduct research on whales and their habitat and to actively engage in marine conservation and education.

Name the Boat Contest

The Whale Center of New England is holding a naming contest for the new research boat. Submit your idea for the best whale-related boat name to 24 Harbor Loop, Gloucester MA 01930 or to info@whalecenter.org.

The winner will receive a free whale adoption, a Whale Center T-shirt, a whale photo, and a ride on the boat.

The deadline for receiving all entries is April 16, 2008.

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