Over 20 Years of Whale Research that Makes a Difference
Yankee Whale Watching has long been committed to working towards the protection of the magnificent whales that visit Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and Jeffrey's Ledge. As our new chapter begins this year at our new location, we also welcome an association with Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.
Yankee Fleet Educational Mission
Yankee Fleet has been actively sponsoring whale research for over two decades. In fact, many of the scientists from the Center for Oceanic Research and Education have been involved with Yankee Fleet for ten years or more.
The product of this research has been a richer understanding of the habitat and behavior patterns of these magnificent creatures - by both the scientific community and for hundreds of thousands of individuals who have discovered what its all about from a Yankee Whale Watch.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary was designated by an Act of Congress in 1992. Virtually the size of Rhode Island, the site protects an 842-square-mile stretch of open water and seafloor habitat at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay between Cape Ann and Cape Cod.
It is a major feeding area for the great whales and exhibits some of the highest diversity of fish species in the Gulf of Maine.
"Stellwagen Bank is world-renowned as a whalewatching destination and historically important as a fishing ground," says the National Ocean Service.
Stellwagen Bank is unlike any other whale feeding area in the world.
Jerry Hill of Yankee Fleet was the first appointee to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council from any whale watching organization. This select group has been identified and chosen to be leaders in the stewardship of this valuable ecosystem.
The mission of the National Marine Sanctuaries is to conserve, protect, and enhance the biodiversity, ecological integrity, and cultural legacy of these marine protected areas. With the research accomplished by CORE, Yankee Fleet and others, the future for Stellwagen looks bright.
Interesting Links
Ask the Scientist
Ask a CORE scientist a question you may have about whales, other marine mammals, the ocean or other related topic. Look for your question to be answered and other questions.
New England Seacoast Institute
The New England Seacoast Institute (NESI) was founded in 1999 by a group of biologists from the Harvard Marine Science Review (HMSR) who recognized a need for increased awareness and research of coastal issues, as well as for the promotion of science to New England's primary school students
Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)
WDCS was founded in 1987, dedicated to the conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises.
Allied Whale
Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic's marine mammal research group, was founded in 1972 to conduct research for the effective conservation of marine mammal populations and their habitats, and to train students to enter careers related to those goals. They curate the North Atlantic Humpback and Fin Whale catalogs.
Northeast Right Whale Sightinig Advisory System
Developed in 1996, this system provides real-time Right Whale sighting information to the commercial shipping industry and other marine traffic, friom aerial and shipboard surveys
Gerry Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Santuary
The sanctuary's mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the biological diversity, ecological integrity and cultural legacy of the sanctuary, while facilitating compatible use.
Whale Watching
Educational Advantage
Our whale watching trips are rich in educational information from our onboard naturalist. Book Online Now.
Whale Watching Gallery
Take a look at our whale watching photos and videos from our trips.
Tide Charts
See the tide conditions for the Boston Harbor and Gloucester areas.
Additional Educational Info
Visit the following websites for other useful information:
Stellwagon | WhaleNet
Local WeatherGet the weather conditions
Get DirectionsDirections to our whale watching departure locations
eNewsletterSignup to receive our quarterly newsletter via email
Whale BlogRead our whale watching blog for whale news
Gift CertificatesWhale Watching and Deep Sea Fishing Gift Certificates
Yankee Freedom IIOur Dry Tortugas Ferry is rated one of the ten best things to do in the Florida Keys.