Irving Oil is strengthening its support for North Atlantic right whale research, education and protection programs. Nearly two decades ago, Irving Oil and the New England Aquarium established a partnership that has created a safer environment for North Atlantic right whales. The partnership, in collaboration with academia, environmental groups and fish harvesters, was successful rerouting shipping lanes in the Bay of Fundy away from a right whale critical habit area; the first time shipping lanes had ever been moved to protect an endangered species. There hasn’t been a single recorded vessel whale strike in the shipping lanes and their population has doubled since research began 35 years ago.
“We take our commitment to the safety of North Atlantic right whales very seriously”, says Mark Sherman, Chief Operating Officer of Irving Oil. “Our partnership with the New England Aquarium is a wonderful example of how researchers and industry can work together to effect real change. Through new and innovative approaches, we’ll continue working together to ensure a safe habitat area for right whales in the Bay of Fundy.”
“The future of the North Atlantic right whale is based on the relationships between scientists who understand the animal and companies like Irving Oil who truly care about the whales’ future,” says Moira Brown, Senior Scientist at the New England Aquarium. “Their commitment to strengthening conservation efforts, including support for expanded survey areas, is important to right whale conservation efforts.”
Each summer and fall, Irving Oil supports aquarium researchers conducting shipboard surveys of North Atlantic right whales in the Bay of Fundy. These surveys allow scientists to collect important information that’s analyzed over the winter months and used to create and refine programs that help protect right whales. This year’s survey will be expanded to include two new areas; the Roseway Basin, off the coast of Nova Scotia, and in the Baie de Chaleur in Northern New Brunswick.
Additional initiatives include support for Whale Alert, an app focused on reducing vessel whale strikes and investigating the use of new technology to strengthen current conservation efforts.
The New England Aquarium, located in Boston, Massachusetts, opened in 1969; they’re a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. The Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston, with over 1.3 million visitors a year, and a major public education resource. The Aquarium is redefining what it means to be an aquarium: combining education, entertainment and action to address the most challenging problems facing the ocean. Through a wide variety of educational programs and conservation initiatives, we make a lasting impact globally.
