For decades, our scientists have been working to protect ecosystems from human impacts and conserve threatened animals and habitats. Learn how our research and conservation efforts are helping to create resilient oceans in a time of climate change.
Right Whales
With fewer than 350 whales remaining, our researchers are working tirelessly to study and protect this 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.