Articles by New England Aquarium
Exhibit Galleries - December 12, 2018
Ocean Fresh Fruits
Some of the mysterious invertebrates from our blue planet have earned an illustrious association with fruit. We're diving deeper to learn about some of these animals. ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - December 6, 2018
Seismic Surveys Pose Threat to Atlantic Marine Life
The New England Aquarium has led a coalition of six East Coast aquarium's in opposition to NOAA’s recent affirmation of the sound blasting program from Delaware to Florida. ...
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Education - December 4, 2018
Teens In the Spotlight
These teens are deeply involved with the New England Aquarium and our Youth Development programs. During the several years they have worked at the Aquarium, they have become great role models for the...
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Anderson Cabot Center Research - December 1, 2018
Sea Turtle Rescue - November 29, 2018
Transporting Turtles in Style
What do we use to transport turtles to and fro during a busy cold-stunned sea turtle season? Banana boxes. ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - November 28, 2018
Taking Action on Climate Change
Climate change is real and happening now. Everyone and everything are affected by climate change. What matters now is what we’re doing about it. ...
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Sea Turtle Rescue - November 22, 2018
Endangered Sea Turtles Travel for Thanksgiving
Twenty rescued and rewarmed sea turtles fly south as New England braces for extreme cold. ...
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Press Release - November 21, 2018
From the President - November 15, 2018
Harborside Chat with Dr. Nick Whitney
Each month, New England Aquarium President and CEO Vikki Spruill sits down with a member of our team for a casual conversation about their work. Listen in to learn about the work of Dr. Nick Whitney,...
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Sea Turtle Rescue - November 5, 2018
Sea Turtle Succumbs to Plastics and Entanglement
New England Aquarium scientific staff have determined that a 420-pound leatherback sea turtle died in part from ingesting plastic as well as suffering from a major entanglement injury. ...
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Sea Turtle Rescue - October 23, 2018
Early Start to Turtle Stranding Season
Chilly weather over the past two weeks leads to early start of the sea turtle stranding season on Cape Cod. ...
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Whale Watch - October 2, 2018
Whale Watch Log: October 1
The month of October started off with a splash as we had a wonderful trip out to Jeffreys Ledge, even despite some wind and choppy seas, that included a multiple-generation sighting. ...
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Whale Watch - September 24, 2018
Whale Watch Log: September 23
We kicked off the start of fall in spectacular fashion as we made our way toward southern Jeffreys Ledge. See the action still happening on Stellwagen Bank as we cruise into fall. ...
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Whale Watch - August 24, 2018
Whale Watch Log: August 24
Today marks one of the weirdest whale watches I have experienced. We boarded the Cetacea for the 9 a.m. whale watch and set out toward Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, but instead of making...
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Whale Watch - August 22, 2018
Whale Watch Log: August 22
This morning we traveled out to the southwest corner of Stellwagen, where we encountered two sets of three humpback whales. ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - August 14, 2018
Last Sea Turtle Release
On Tuesday morning, six of the world’s most endangered sea turtles were carried down a Cape Cod beach cloaked in a late summer fog by volunteers who had either rescued or cared for them. ...
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Whale Watch - August 6, 2018
Whale Watch Log: August 6
We were halted by a small pod of Atlantic white sided dolphins, including three pairs with tiny little calves keeping right up with their moms. The glassy water made for ideal conditions to watch and...
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Whale Watch - August 1, 2018
Whale Watch Log: August 1
Today we enjoyed a fantastic morning out on thus water! We started by making our way to an area near the middle of Stellwagen Bank, and enjoyed exciting surface activity by three humpback whales. ...
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Whale Watch - July 20, 2018
Whale Watch Log: July 20, 2018
Today was beyond fantastic. We headed out on the Cetacea to the southwest corner of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary for the 9 a.m. trip and started seeing many scattered blows. ...
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Press Release - July 10, 2018
Whale Watchers Glimpse Great White
Whale watchers on a recent excursion got a thrill when they spotted a great white—but not the Moby Dick sort! ...
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Whale Watch - July 9, 2018
Whale Watch Log: July 9
Approximately five humpback whales were scattered throughout the area, and we spent the duration of our whale watch with a pair of our recent favorites: Dross and her calf. ...
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Sea Turtle Rescue - July 2, 2018
Sea Turtles Released Sporting High-Tech Gadgets
Five large, rescued sea turtles were released back into the ocean this morning equipped with some high technology to help marine biologists track their travels and unravel the mystery of where they...
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Marine Mammals - July 1, 2018
Growing Up Sea Lion
It’s already one year since Ron the California sea lion pup was born behind the scenes at the New England Aquarium! Born on July 2, 2017, he is Tipper’s first baby. ...
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At the Aquarium - June 27, 2018
Why Volunteer or Intern with the Marine Mammal Trainers?
Find out why our volunteer and internship program is a great opportunity for almost anyone—and you don't have to take our word for it. ...
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Whale Watch - June 20, 2018
Whale Watch Log: June 20
We set out for the 10 a.m. whale watch aboard the Asteria and headed toward the northwest corner of Stellwagen Bank on a beautiful Wednesday morning. ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - June 18, 2018
2018 Ocean Stewardship Awards
Each year, educators in the Aquarium's Education Department recognize teachers and schools who are working to promote an ethic of ocean conservation with our Ocean Stewardship Awards. Meet these...
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Aquarium Animals - June 15, 2018
Banggai Cardinalfish: Very Protective Dads
Banggai cardinalfish are handsome fish, and the males happen to be very good dads. Find out why. ...
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Whale Watch - June 13, 2018
Whale Watch Log: June 13
We boarded the Aurora and departed Boston Harbor to make a drive to the northeast, where the latest reports pointed to sightings. ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - June 11, 2018
Part IV: Transporting and Treating Tortoises in Madagascar
We scrambled to ready 600 tortoises for transport, giving each of them a shallow bath to hydrate them for the long ride—they often drink a lot of water during their baths (and urinate and...
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Beyond the Aquarium - June 9, 2018
Part III: Treating Rescued Tortoises in Madagascar
It is my sixth day working with the team treating thousands of radiated tortoises in Madagascar. The days are hot and fatiguing. We continue to treat the sicker tortoises, provide food and water for...
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Exhibit Galleries - June 7, 2018
Orange Lobster Donated by Roche Bros. Grocery Store
After an orange lobster was discovered at a grocery store, Roche Bros. donates the flashy crustacean to the Aquarium. ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - June 6, 2018
Part II: Aquarium Vet Helping to Save Radiated Tortoises
The Aquarium's head veterinarian is part of an international effort to help more than 10,000 endangered radiated tortoises seized from a poacher. Here's an account of some of the day-to-day...
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Beyond the Aquarium - June 4, 2018
Part I: Aquarium Vet Helping Save Radiated Tortoises
The Aquarium's head veterinarian is part of an international effort to help more than 10,000 endangered radiated tortoises seized from a poacher. Here's a little background about the situation. ...
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Aquarium Animals - May 17, 2018
Whale Watch - May 6, 2018
Whale Watch Log: May 6
Wow. What. A. Day. You know it’s great when you can’t decide what was the best part! ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - April 27, 2018
City Nature Challenge: April 27–30
Let's get outside! This year’s City Nature Challenge starts today, April 27, and runs through Monday, April 30. The City Nature Challenge is a worldwide bioblitz – a global competition to...
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Press Release - April 24, 2018
Sea Turtle Rescue: Turtles Head Home
After months of rehabilitation, an epic road trip, and a quick scamper down a Florida beach, 14 rescued sea turtles have returned home. ...
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Whale Watch - April 22, 2018
Whale Watch Log — April 22
This morning we took advantage of the beautiful spring weather and traveled to the northwest corner of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. We were excited to spot several blows around the...
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Whale Watch - April 11, 2018
Whale Watch Log — April 11
Morning fog lifted for quite a spectacle on Stellwagen Bank! ...
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Whale Watch - April 7, 2018
Whale Watch Log — April 7, 2018
Nature blossomed in the sanctuary of Stellwagen Bank on this brisk Saturday. ...
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At the Aquarium - March 26, 2018
Aquarium Names New President and CEO
We are pleased to announce that Vikki Spruill, current leader of the Council on Foundations and former head of Ocean Conservancy, has been appointed New England Aquarium President and CEO. ...
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Whale Watch - March 24, 2018
Beyond the Aquarium - March 6, 2018
Please Do Not Disturb the Seals
Exceptional weather events do not just affect people but also wildlife. ...
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Aquarium Animals - February 28, 2018
March Comes in Like a Lion
Indo-Pacific lionfish have become an abundant invasive species throughout the tropical eastern Atlantic and Caribbean seas. They are now recognized as one of the most important conservation issues in...
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Beyond the Aquarium - February 28, 2018
Collaborating to inspire change at Here Be Dragons
The New England Aquarium was proud to collaborate with the MIT Media Lab and National Geographic on the latest event from the Open Ocean initiative. Here Be Dragons was dedicated to “identifying...
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Marine Mammals - February 23, 2018
Trainers Turned Toy Makers
Meet one of the marine mammal trainers and learn how he's creating enriching activities for the seals and sea lions. ...
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Marine Mammals - February 16, 2018
Who’s Who? Fur Seal vs. Sea Lion
Here's a question we often get at the Marine Mammal Center: how do we tell our animals apart? This blog is meant to help you do just that. ...
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Marine Mammals - February 15, 2018
Tooth Brushing Role Models
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and most parents struggle with getting kids to brush their teeth as often as they should, but surprisingly a wild animal just might be a good...
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Aquarium Animals - February 14, 2018
Loving Marine Mammals and our Oceans
At the Aquarium we’re celebrating Valentine's Day by highlighting the love we share for protecting marine mammals and the oceans with all of you. ...
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At the Aquarium - January 6, 2018
The Blue Lobster Lives!
Despite blizzard, flood, and gale-force winds, our ice sculpture thrives in the worst of winter weather! ...
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Aquarium Animals - December 1, 2017
Does Something Taste Fishy?
While humans gear up for holiday feasts and sweets galore, many might be wondering if penguins enjoy special treats during the holidays. ...
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Press Release - November 29, 2017
‘Turtles Fly Too’ — Part 2!
With more than 180 hypothermic sea turtles rescued from Cape Cod, a second group of 30 re-warmed reptiles was flown south by volunteer pilots today. ...
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In the News - November 27, 2017
Turtle Fly Over the Holidays, Too
On one of the busiest air travel days of the year, a volunteer pilot flew 30 critically endangered rescued sea turtles from Boston to Baltimore on a private jet. ...
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Sea Turtle Rescue - November 15, 2017
Turtle Stranding Season Begins
It's looking like winter at our Sea Turtle Hospital. The first hypothermic sea turtles of the season have washed up on Cape Cod. ...
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Aquarium Animals - November 3, 2017
Summer Babies: Penguin Chicks
Visitors can see more than 80 penguins on exhibit at the New England Aquarium on any given day. But each summer, a few birds spend time behind the scenes for a very special reason—to hatch and...
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Whale Watch - October 18, 2017
Whale Watch Log: October 18
Today’s trip aboard the Asteria left us completely in awe. We traveled to the southwest corner of Stellwagen, where we found the blows of three different humpback whales. After patiently waiting...
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Whale Watch - October 15, 2017
Whale Watch Log: October 15, 2017
See what New England Aquarium Whale Watches are spotting on Stellwagen Bank! ...
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Aquarium Animals - October 11, 2017
Celebrating African Penguins
Many groups celebrate an African Penguin Awareness Day in October—we're in! We're always looking for chances to celebrate this iconic species and bring awareness to their plight. ...
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Aquarium Animals - October 6, 2017
Hand Rearing Penguin Chicks
What does it take to raise a baby penguin? Our penguin keepers explain. ...
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Whale Watch - October 1, 2017
Whale Watch: October 1
Gather close for a harrowing tale that tests the scaffolding of the heart and mind! ...
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Aquarium Animals - September 15, 2017
Shark School!
While many of us are headed back to school this fall, the sharks in The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank are getting an education of their own: trainers are wading into the exhibit...
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Whale Watch - August 28, 2017
Whale Watch: August 28
This morning we traveled to the southwest corner of Stellwagen Bank aboard the Sanctuary. Naturalists observed a fun behavior to see that they personally hadn’t seen much of this season. ...
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Sea Turtle Rescue - August 25, 2017
Summertime Success: Sea Turtle Release
Three endangered sea turtles that had stranded on Cape Cod late last autumn due to hypothermia and other life-threatening medical conditions finally completed their long rehab at the New England...
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Whale Watch - August 21, 2017
Aquarium Animals - August 17, 2017
Salt Sneezes Are a Thing
Have you ever watched the penguins shake their head, flinging trips across the rocks of the penguin exhibit? Well, there's a very specific reason they're doing that. ...
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Whale Watch - August 15, 2017
Whale Watch: August 15
Adventures today include a mola mola sighting and lots of breaches! ...
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Whale Watch - August 13, 2017
Whale Watch Log: August 13
What a day! Many different species of marine animals, including some hungry hungry humpbacks. ...
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Whale Watch - August 3, 2017
Beyond the Aquarium - August 2, 2017
Family Beach Days
Weather permitting, New England Aquarium educators will be heading out to Carson and Constitution beaches this summer to add an element of exploration to your day at the beach! ...
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Aquarium Animals - July 21, 2017
Fur Seal Afloat
For a brief time each day, Luna is the proverbial princess of the pool. ...
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Whale Watch - July 18, 2017
Whale Watch Log: July 18
An absolutely spectacular day out on the southwest corner! Gliding over gentle seas, we ran into some fog on the way to our whale reports, but upon arrival found clear, sunny skies, and plenty of...
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Whale Watch - July 10, 2017
Whale Watch Log: July 10
Hancock and calf showered our bow riders with pungent exhalation whilst passing our pulpits, and Bristle bade us goodbye with a breach! ...
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Whale Watch - July 6, 2017
Whale Watch Log: July 6
What a spectacular day this turned out to be. Captain Adam led the crew and crowd aboard the Sanctuary far to the southeast with intentions of providing exceptional whale sightings, and wow, was that...
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Whale Watch - June 25, 2017
Whale Watch Log: June 25
Today was one in a million. Owl and her calf took turns flipper slapping, lobtailing, and breaching! It left all of us speechless and feeling incredibly lucky. ...
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Whale Watch - June 18, 2017
Whale Watch Log: June 18
Despite having poor visibility at times, we managed to spot two humpback whales: a mom and her young calf! ...
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Aquarium Animals - June 2, 2017
Do Penguins Have Knees?
Finally, an answer to the age-old question: do penguins have knees? ...
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Whale Watch - May 28, 2017
Whale Watch Log: May 28
We embarked on the noon whale watch with hopes of seeing the buzzing activity that we’ve been experiencing on Jeffreys Ledge over the last couple of days and we were not disappointed. ...
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Aquarium Animals - May 12, 2017
Mother’s Day in the Marine Mammal Center
At the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center this Mother's Day, we have a wonderful mother-daughter group we’d like to share with you! ...
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Whale Watch - May 8, 2017
Whale Watch Log: May 8
This afternoon’s journey to the southwest corner of Stellwagen Bank proved successful, as we initially spotted several blows in the area. ...
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Whale Watch - April 30, 2017
Whale Watch Log: April 30
Today's exploring led us right into one of the most amazing feeding frenzies I have ever witnessed. Hundreds of birds flocked over head while a giant pod of Atlantic white-sided dolphins zipped all...
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Press Release - April 13, 2017
Science of Sharks
Press release: On April 14, the New England Aquarium celebrates the opening of new Science of Sharks exhibit ...
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Aquarium Animals - April 11, 2017
Seal Siblings
Did you know there are sibling seals at the Aquarium? Meet the families of seals in our Harbor Seal Exhibit. ...
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Whale Watch - April 10, 2017
Whale Watch Log: April 10, 2017
Find out what the whale watchers found on Stellwagen Bank on April 10! ...
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Whale Watch - April 9, 2017
Whale Watch Log: April 9, 2017
See what whale watchers found on Stellwagen Bank on April 9! ...
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Whale Watch - April 3, 2017
Whale Watch Log: April 3
The New England Aquarium Whale Watch it starting off with a splash! ...
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Sea Turtle Rescue - December 9, 2016
52 Endangered Sea Turtles Fly to Florida
This season Aquarium rescuers are in the midst of the fourth largest sea turtle stranding season. Recently, they had to make room for some new patients by coordinating the largest ...
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Education - November 28, 2016
Outreach Education at New England Aquarium
Imagine tidepool animals scuttling around your classroom, or a miniature beach with waves lapping away at the sand. Find out about these Aquarium education programs—and more—that can hit the road...
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Education - November 16, 2016
Educating Educators About Climate Change
We are giving informal science educators the tools to talk to the public about climate change. This is what Visualizing Change looks like. ...
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Education - November 15, 2016
Highest Tides and Sea Level Rise
With king tides and super moons, future coastlines with sea level rise are all too real in some areas. But do you know why sea levels are on the rise? ...
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Education - November 10, 2016
Teen Intern: Fatima
Dozens of teens intern at the Aquarium every summer, learning useful skills while having fun and meeting new friends. They are an exemplary bunch, but Fatime Sidibe is one that stood out for facing...
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Whale Watch - September 19, 2016
Whale Watch Log: September 19
We had a great trip with Lutris, Vault, Komodo, and UFO. They mingled with each other and mixed up their associations, keeping intern Laura on her toes! ...
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Whale Watch - September 12, 2016
Whale Watch Log: September 12, 2016
What started out as a trio of lazy humpbacks turned into a breachtastic afternoon trip. ...
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Whale Watch - September 11, 2016
Whale Watch Log: September 11, 2016
Undiscouraged by the dark clouds brewing overhead, we were thrilled to find up to two dozen humpback whales in manageable sea conditions right on the southwest corner. ...
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Whale Watch - September 3, 2016
Whale Watch Log: September 3, 2016
The Sanctuary kicked off Labor Day weekend with great sightings of ten or so humpbacks, including Hancock, Pumba, Jabiru, Cajun, Perseid, and Bolide. We had great looks at these animals and were...
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Whale Watch - August 17, 2016
Whale Watch Log: August 17, 2016
This afternoon the Aurora with Captain Chip and his fantastic crew headed out to the northwest corner of Stellwagen Bank. In a white cap strewn sea we spotted a trio of humpback whales who we easily...
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Whale Watch - August 15, 2016
Whale Watch Log: August 15, 2016
As we made our way offshore for the 12pm whale watch yesterday, we received word of the entangled humpback whale that had been sighted by earlier boats. ...
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Beyond the Aquarium - August 12, 2016
PIPA: Dead Fish Swimming
The sleek grey shape gliding into a patch of calm water next to our ship confirms the bow lookout's call just a moment before. A shark! If you're a regular to our blog, you've heard many mentions of...
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Whale Watch - August 10, 2016
Whale Watch Log: August 10, 2016
We had quite the wet and wild whale watch this morning on the Sanctuary with Captain Adam! ...
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Whale Watch - August 3, 2016
Whale Watch Log: August 3, 2016
Bubble nets, alabaster flukes, and massive humpback whales. ...
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Whale Watch - August 2, 2016
Whale Watch Log: August 2, 2016
This morning the Sanctuary headed to the south east of Stellwagen Bank for the 10am whale watch. ...
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Whale Watch - July 27, 2016
Whale Watch Log: July 27, 2016
The lucidity of the glassy sea betrayed the motives of our creatures, for we could spy the sudden oscillations of Jabiru’s tail as she changed direction at depths exceeding 20’! And that's not...
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Press Release - July 15, 2016
Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Release
After nearly eight months of rehab at the New England Aquarium’s sea turtle hospital, this endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle was released off Cape Cod. See what makes this turtle so special. ...
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Whale Watch - July 6, 2016
Whale Watch Log: July 6
Upon the glassy seaway of the Southeast Corner we spotted a miniature humpback whale heaving its ivory flippers in gawkish fashion. It was a sign of all the action to come. ...
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Aquarium Animals - June 28, 2016
Training Fish in the GOT
One of the main responsibilities of a Giant Ocean Tank diver is to make sure all of the inhabitants of the exhibit are getting enough to eat. Find out how they can make sure that happens. ...
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