Emerging conservation leaders, particularly in the developing world, lack the support and capacity to be truly successful in advancing ocean health. In addition, marine conservation is missing out on tremendous energy and innovative ideas due to a lack of diversity and funding.

The Anderson Cabot Center is cultivating the next generation of ocean advocates and scientists by preparing, empowering, and convening a global network of conservation leaders.

  1. Our Strategy

    We need a new generation of conservation leaders. At the Anderson Cabot Center, we are working to amplify marine conservation leaders’ successes through several key measures:

    • Develop a network of marine conservation leaders
    • Support global conservation entrepreneurs
    • Leverage the Aquarium’s educational programs to create a pipeline for the next generation of scientists
    • Build and mobilize a broad constituency including the public, industry groups, environmental managers and policymakers, corporate partners, certification bodies, state and federal environmental agencies, scientists, and many others toward conservation action

  2. Key Successes

    Working with our global partner network, Anderson Cabot Center staff have created a pipeline for the next generation of marine conservation leaders by:

    • Founding the Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) and the MCAF Fellows Program.
    • Partnering with more than 50 key stakeholders—including Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, Gorton’s Seafood, Irving Oil, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution—to address ecosystem health in a changing climate
    • Continuing to make connections and develop youth environmental leaders through internships, fellowships, and a vast corps of more than 1,600 volunteers

  3. Future Goals

    Expanding our global conservation leadership reach is a key goal. To meet this goal we will:

    • Grow our MCAF program to partner with 50 entrepreneurial conservationists in the developing world
    • Refine our pilot version into a premier fellows program composed of conservation leaders from 10 countries
    • Incorporate the New England Aquarium’s nationally recognized National Network for Ocean and Climate Change (NNOCCI) into all external messaging on-site and online

Program

We continuously build on our successes and work toward our goals through these key programs.

  1. [IMG] A manta ray jumps out of the water.

    Marine Conservation
    Action Fund

    Conservation leaders across the globe are tackling the most challenging problems facing the ocean, starting at a local level. The Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF) aims to ensure these conservation leaders have the financial and professional support they need to be successful.

    Learn More
  2. [IMG] A dolphin jumps out of the water next to a boat.

    Marine Conservation
    Leadership Program

    Through mentoring and professional growth, leveraging additional funding sources to increase the sustainability of projects, and developing enduring relationships—especially among junior scientists doing pioneering work in developing countries—this program empowers our growing pool of MCAF fellows to build their networks, skills, and capacities.

    Learn More
  3. sperm whale

    Northeast Canyons and Seamounts
    Marine National Monument

    Roughly 130 miles southeast of Cape Cod, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument protects three massive undersea canyons, some deeper than the Grand Canyon, four underwater mountains, and an untold amount of marine life. The New England Aquarium unequivocally supports the designation of monument and opposes any efforts to minimize protections for this ecologically important area.

    Learn More