The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation’s mission is to protect marine life in the Gulf of Maine through research, education, and inspiring action.
Our vision is of thriving marine life in the Gulf of Maine with citizens committed to environmental stewardship.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, ID #02-0523308.
The ocean may look vast and blue, but hidden challenges threaten its health. Warming waters and human impacts such as pollution, noise, entanglement, and vessel strikes endanger the Gulf of Maine and its marine life.
Since the late 1990s, we have focused our research on Jeffreys Ledge, a rich but understudied habitat located just 20 miles off the NH/MA coast. This unique area supports an incredible diversity of marine species, including endangered whales.
Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation was founded in 2001 by whale watch naturalists Jen Kennedy and Dianna Schulte, who saw a need for more research and public education about the ocean. Today, we conduct long-term whale studies, engage the public through education and outreach, and share vital data with resource managers.
Connecting science with people inspires ocean stewardship and promotes actions that improve whale populations and overall ocean health. We invite you to join us as a supporter, volunteer, or program participant.
Our Team
Our team also includes many dedicated interns and volunteers!
Awards and Accolades
- Aquarion Environmental Champion Award, 2022
- Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Organization of the Year, 2017
- Gulf of Maine Visionary Award presented to Co-Founders Jen Kennedy and Dianna Schulte, 2007
- Platinum Transparency Seal on GuideStar
- Rated 100 out of 100 on Charity Navigator
Recent Reports
Organizational Annual Reports
Reports on Marine Debris and Whale Research Programs
Marine Debris Results, 2022 | Marine Debris Results, 2021
Whale Research Report Summary, 2022
Recent Tax Returns
Strategic Plan
We are updating our strategic plan. Check out our strategic plan for 2021-22
Our Location
Our office is located in Portsmouth, NH, in the historic Carey Cottage. Directions to Carey Cottage are below. We also have an educational facility, the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, in Hampton Beach, NH.
To get to Carey Cottage, follow Little Harbor Road in Portsmouth until you see Creek Farm/GoodWork signs. Turn right through the stone gate onto Creek Farm Driveway.
Parking is in designated spaces (GoodWork) and can be limited. If you find yourself at a parking lot with a Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion sign and a brown house, you missed the Creek Farm Driveway. Return in the direction you came and take a left after the white sign on the tree that says “CREEK FARM RESERVATION.”
