The Whale Center of New England is reducing its operations and exploring potential strategic partnerships. Despite the efforts of its volunteer leadership and the generous support of several local businesses over the past two years, the Center’s Board of Directors has concluded that the Center cannot afford a full-time scientist. Without a scientist on board, the Center’s ability to fulfill its mission of research, education, and conservation cannot be assured.

The Whale Center of New England, located at 24 Harbor Loop, Gloucester, was founded in 1980 to study the whale population off the Massachusetts coastline. Trained naturalists aboard whale watch vessels would gather data about whales and also educate visitors. The Harbor Loop facility offered visitors a unique exhibit about the local whale population featuring a full-size whale skeleton. Hundreds of interns have passed through the Whale Center and gone on to become scientists, conservationists, and educators around the country. 

Approximately two years ago, the Center’s founder and chief scientist, Mason Weinrich, was stricken with illness and no longer able to run the Center. It became increasingly difficult to obtain grants without a chief scientist. The Center almost closed a year ago but volunteers stepped forward to try and save the organization. The Whale Center announced at the end of 2012 that it needed $80,000 in donations to get through 2013. When it became clear that such funding was unlikely, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to not staff whale watch boats and to seek a partner for a potential merger. 

“It is with a heavy heart that we must, despite our best efforts and intentions, announce that the Whale Center of New England must reduce its operations at this time,” stated the directors.