![[IMG] Anderson Cabot Center scientists catch haddock during a research cruise,](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_OurWork_MortalityHero_1440_600-1440x600.jpg)
The health of our planet depends on the health of our oceans. At the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, we apply innovative, science-based solutions to combat the unprecedented threat to our oceans represented by climate change and other human activities. We’re saving species, habitats, and strengthening the overall health of our oceans.
For decades, our scientists have been actively working to protect ecosystems from human impacts and conserve threatened animals and habitats. Our conservation and research projects span the globe, from protecting the North Atlantic right whale in New England to helping the next generation of conservation leaders in the developing world. Learn more about our work by exploring our Programs and Research pages.
Programs
![[IMG] A tangled North Atlantic right whale drags fishing gear.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MarineStress_Entangled_600x480.png)
Wildlife and Ocean Health Program
Our researchers work to understand, quantify, and reduce the consequences of human activities on the health of marine species and ecosystems.
![[IMG] Right whale researchers watch a whale from a boat.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_Programs_MMConservation_600_480.jpg)
Marine Mammal Conservation Program
Marine mammals are under threat in the ocean like never before, creating multiple challenges for species and ecosystem survival.
![[IMG] A dolphin jumps out of the water next to a boat.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_Programs_MCLeadProg_600_480.jpg)
Marine Conservation Leadership Program
We are building and supporting a new generation of conservation leaders with 21st century skills.
![[IMG] A manta ray jumps out of the water.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_ProgramsMCAF_600_480.jpg)
Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF)
MCAF provides conservation leaders in developing nations with the financial and professional support they need to be successful.
![[IMG] Anderson Cabot Center scientist measures a skate.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/OurWork_FSET_600x480-1.png)
Fisheries Science and Emerging Technologies Program (FSET)
Our scientists are using cutting-edge technology to investigate critical fisheries issues.
![[IMG] A turtle escapes a fishing net thanks to a TED: Turtle Excluder Device. Credit: NOAA.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_Programs_NEW_GlobalBycatch_600_480.jpg)
Bycatch Program
We are connecting a global network of stakeholders to improve the application of research and reduce bycatch worldwide.
![[IMG] A SCUBA diver inspects seaweed aquaculture.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_Programs_SustSeafood_600_480.jpg)
Fisheries and Aquaculture Solutions Program/BalanceBLUE Lab
We provide readily-implementable fisheries and aquaculture solutions based on solid scientific research. We promotes sustainable and responsible growth of the “blue economy”; one that safeguards ocean habitats, species, and ecosystems.
Spatial Ecology, Mapping, and Assessment Program (EcoMap)
EcoMap researchers collect and analyze data to develop solutions that reduce risks to marine species from human activities and climate change.
Research
Right Whales
With only about 430 whales remaining, our researchers are working tirelessly to study and protect this critically endangered species.
![[IMG] Anderson Cabot Center Scientist Nick Whitney tags a shark.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/OurWork_SharkTag_600x480.jpg)
Sharks and Rays
Our research on elasmobranchs focuses on delivering scientific data to improve the management and conservation of threatened or data-poor species.
Mapping Species Distribution
Marine species distribution patterns can help to assess risks from human activities and to understand how these distribution patterns are changing in response to climate change.
![[IMG] Anderson Cabot Center scientist Emily Jones measure a haddock.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_OurWork_Mortality_600_480.jpg)
Discard Mortality
To ensure healthy populations of fished species, we need to understand the rate at which released fish die and the factors that influence mortality.
![[IMG] Right whale researchers collect](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_AboutUs_Mission_600_480.jpg)
Marine Stress
Chronic stress can have profound effects on immune system function, health, reproduction, and survival of marine life.
![[IMG] New England Aquarium researchers are working with a rescued sea turtle.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_OurWork_SeaTurtles_600_480.jpg)
Sea Turtles
Our researchers document the physical and physiologic effects of human interactions and natural phenomena on sea turtle health.
Climate Change
Short and long term environmental changes affect ecological relationships and result in plankton, fish, and whales occupying new habitats.
Risk Assessment
Collecting systematic data sets over many years allows us to estimate changes in species distributions and abundance over time in order to develop solutions to reduce risks to marine mammals from human use and climate change.
![[IMG] An underwater manatee looks at the camera.](https://www.andersoncabotcenterforoceanlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ACC_OurWork_MMammals_600_480.jpg)
Other Marine Mammals
Our scientists are working to identify, characterize, and assess the threats facing marine mammal populations.