The History of Whaling & Whale Conservation - Summer 2026
While many whale species have rebounded since the threat of extinction, the North Atlantic Right Whale remains critically endangered. As the Marine Mammal Protection Act faces new challenges, this program invites students to examine the marine environmental history of the Northeast and explore how the region’s past can inform a more sustainable ocean future.
Students will begin their program on SEA’s campus in Woods Hole where they will learn more about the history of New England’s history of whaling exploring the ways in which whaling shaped New England’s economy and the lasting impacts on local marine life like the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Through lectures, readings, and site visits students will gain a deeper understanding of the rise of the anti-whaling movement, the “Save the Whales” movement, and the establishment of current marine mammal protections like the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Following their shore component, students will set sail aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer sailing to Nantucket where they will learn more about Nantucket’s history of whaling before continuing up to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. During their time onboard, students will conduct neuston tows to understand the food source for whales as well as conduct visual and acoustic observations.
Students will return to campus to finalize their final projects and host a student-led symposium, inviting local experts to discuss policy around whale conservation in the region.
The History of Whaling & Whale Conservation invites students to explore how history continues to inspire action and inform ocean policy today.
Learning Objectives
Locations
Woods Hole, MA to Woods Hole, MA
Port Stops
Remote Shore
2nd Shore Component:
Academic Credit
Course Descriptions & Syllabi
This program carries 4-credits from the University of Minnesota.
Marine Environmental History300 level, 4 credits, CAS NS 323
Employ methods and sources of historians and social scientists. Examine the role of human societies in coastal and open ocean environmental change. Issues include resource conservation, overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
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