Piscataqua Savings Bank is the proud supporter of over 100 Seacoast area nonprofits. We’re highlighting a few of the nonprofits doing incredible, critical work in our Seacoast community with our Seacoast Spotlight Series. Next up in our spotlight is the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation.
Along the picturesque shores of Seacoast New Hampshire, the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is quietly leading the charge to protect the Gulf of Maine’s incredible marine ecosystem. Since its founding in 2001, this Portsmouth-based nonprofit has been dedicated to safeguarding marine life through research, education, and community engagement, inspiring locals and visitors alike to take an active role in ocean conservation.
Studying and Protecting Marine Life in the Gulf of Maine
At the heart of BOS’s efforts is whale research, focusing on the movements, behaviors, and health of large whales in the Gulf of Maine. From May to October, they collect observational data on whales and other marine life from local whale watch boats, focusing on Jeffreys Ledge, a rich and productive area in the Gulf of Maine that’s home to many species of fish and whales. As the only organization to gather consistent summer data on marine mammals in this area since 1996, BOS’s research helps track fin and humpback whales, study the distribution of whales, basking sharks, and ocean sunfish, and understand long-term trends in species distribution and social groups, providing valuable insights to guide conservation policies and protect the health of the Gulf of Maine.
But BOS’s research extends beyond just whales. The organization tackles important issues like microplastics pollution, analyzing sand samples from local beaches to understand how tiny plastics affect marine ecosystems. This research informs both their educational programs and broader conservation initiatives, helping residents of Portsmouth and the Seacoast see the connection between everyday choices and ocean health.
Hands-On Education for the Seacoast Community
Education is central to the Society’s mission. From immersive beach cleanups to interactive classroom presentations, BOS brings ocean science to life in engaging ways. One of their most beloved tools is “Ladder the Life‑Size Whale,” a 65‑foot inflatable fin whale modeled on a real whale studied off the New England coast. Kids (and adults!) can walk through this giant whale to learn about anatomy, whale behavior, and why ocean conservation matters, making science memorable and personal.
In addition to whale programs, BOS offers presentations on topics like the travels of marine debris, microplastic science, and human impacts on marine ecosystems. These sessions, available in schools, community centers, or even virtually, help audiences of all ages connect the dots between everyday choices and ocean health.
The Blue Ocean Discovery Center in Hampton Beach, NH, serves as a hub for marine education. Visitors can explore touch tanks, learn about local ocean creatures, and participate in activities that spark curiosity and encourage stewardship, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the Gulf of Maine and its inhabitants.
Community Action and Volunteering
Conservation at BOS goes beyond science and education, it’s about action. Their volunteer programs engage locals and visitors in meaningful ways, from leading beach cleanups to assisting in educational programs or collecting microplastics samples. Volunteers become citizen scientists and ambassadors for marine conservation, helping protect Seacoast beaches while collecting data that informs research and advocacy efforts.
BOS organizes many beach cleanups and recycling programs throughout the year, turning community participation into measurable impact. These events not only remove marine debris but also create a culture of stewardship, reminding participants that every small action contributes to healthier oceans.
Earth Month: A Time for Seacoast Action
April brings Earth Month, a worldwide celebration of the planet and a call to action for environmental protection. Rooted in Earth Day (April 22), this month‑long observance invites communities worldwide to reflect on their relationship with the environment and make meaningful changes to reduce their impact.
For the Blue Ocean Society, Earth Month is an opportunity to engage the Seacoast community through beach cleanups, educational events, and volunteer activities. In previous years, BOS has hosted special Earth Month beach cleanups, partnered with other conservation groups, and offered resources like cleanup kits to help individuals make a difference wherever they live. These events bring people together with a shared purpose: to protect marine life, reduce pollution, and make beaches healthier for all.
By participating, residents of Portsmouth and the broader Seacoast region can help protect local beaches, safeguard whales and other marine species, and contribute to a healthier, more resilient ocean ecosystem.
Get Involved with Blue Ocean Society
Whether you’re drawn to whale watching on the Gulf of Maine, fascinated by marine science, or looking for hands-on ways to help, the Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation offers opportunities for everyone. Through education, research, and volunteerism, BOS proves that protecting our oceans isn’t just the work of scientists — it’s a mission that the Seacoast community can embrace, especially during Earth Month and beyond.
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