What you see on the surface is just the beginning.
Every New England Aquarium ticket sold helps us protect the blue planet. Which means when you visit us in Boston, you are helping us do important work all around the world.
Because we’re a nonprofit institution, we rely on the support of our visitors and our members. Your ticket supports everything the Aquarium does. Every visit to Central Wharf sets off a ripple effect of good that travels across the ocean.
Who Are We?
We are problem solvers.
We are innovators.
We are educators, scientists, fellows, employees, volunteers, and members.
We will do whatever it takes to ensure that our waters and our world continue to heal, thrive, and inspire.
We are the protectors of the blue.
We are the New England Aquarium.
Our Mission in Action
Ocean Conservation
To effectively manage and conserve the ocean’s resources, decision makers need sound scientific data. We use cutting-edge technology to investigate critical fisheries issues, providing resource managers with the information they need to improve species, fisheries, and ecosystem management.
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Endangered Giants
For nearly 40 years, Aquarium scientists and researchers have been dedicated to protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale. With fewer than 425 whales remaining, our researchers are working tirelessly to study and protect these endangered giants.
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Saving Sea Turtles
Each autumn, our sea turtle hospital treats hundreds of sea turtles that become chilled in cold New England waters. We are global leaders in medical management and rehabilitation of cold-stunned turtles. To date, we have treated and released more than 2,000 turtles, the majority of which are critically endangered Kemp’s ridley turtles.
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The Next Generation
We’re focused on solutions so this is important for people to understand so they can join us on our mission. Our ClimaTeens program engages youth and inspires them to be the changemakers our ocean needs.
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Protect Our Coasts
We're opposed to new offshore oil and gas development in the Atlantic Ocean. Scientific studies show that when seismic surveys happen, fewer fish are caught, more zooplankton die, and marine mammals struggle to flourish. These surveys, and the development that comes with them, will negatively impact commercial fisheries, marine ecosystems, and some of the region’s most endangered dolphins, whales, and turtles.
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The First Step
The New England Aquarium is joining with more than 20 other aquariums across the country because there are simple actions we can all take in a stand against single-use plastics. The nationwide campaign, called the First Step, offers suggestions on how we can make a difference—individually and as a nationwide community that cares about our blue planet.
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Let’s Talk Climate Change
The Aquarium is a global conservation organization that bases our decisions on science. Our lead role in the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation (NNOCCI) is significant in the impact its making across the country as we work together to change the public conversation about climate change to be inviting, interesting, empowering, and solutions-focused.
Just as human systems affect the oceans, the oceans affect life on land. We all have a responsibility to protect the oceans and at the New England Aquarium, we are working vigilantly to address the threats to aquatic stability and health.
YOU are also a protector of the blue. Learn about all the ways you can get involved with our mission.
Adults
From Membership or volunteering, to events and The Tide: Our young professionals group, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
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Teens
We offer a variety of volunteer and paid opportunities for teens ages 13 through 19. The Office of Teens Programs is the place to start if you want to get involved at the Aquarium.
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Kids
From school trips to camps and traveling touch tank experiences, the Aquarium has something to offer kids of every age.
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