About Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation
Our Mission
The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation works to protect marine life in the Gulf of Maine through research, education, and inspiring action. By connecting science with people, we foster stewardship and encourage meaningful steps to improve whale populations and overall ocean health.
Our History
Founded in 2001 by whale watch naturalists Jen Kennedy and Dianna Schulte, The Blue Ocean Society was created to address the need for more research and public education about the ocean. Since the late 1990s, the organization has focused much of its research on Jeffreys Ledge, a rich but historically understudied ecosystem located 20 miles off the New Hampshire and Massachusetts coast. This area supports a wide diversity of marine species, including endangered whales. Today, Blue Ocean Society conducts long-term whale research, engages the public through education and outreach, and provides valuable data to resource managers.
Our Goals
We envision a future where marine life in the Gulf of Maine thrives and communities are actively engaged in environmental stewardship. To support this vision, the organization works to:
Advance long-term research on whales and marine ecosystems
Increase public awareness of ocean health challenges
Inspire individual and collective action to reduce human impacts
Contribute data and insights that inform conservation policy and management
The Gulf of Maine faces growing threats from warming waters and human activity, including pollution, noise, entanglement, and vessel strikes. Addressing these challenges is central to the organization’s ongoing efforts.
