Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program

This program supports Massachusetts efforts to monitor, document, protect, and recover large whale and sea turtle species in state waters and adjacent areas during 2026-2027. Funded work includes aerial surveillance and vessel-based ecosystem monitoring of North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay and nearby waters, along with habitat monitoring, zooplankton sampling and analysis, and documentation of whale sightings and distribution. The award also supports year-round entanglement readiness and response for large whales and sea turtles, including near real-time reporting of confirmed entanglements and response activities carried out with the grantee’s own vessel, equipment, trained personnel, and required NOAA permits. Applicants must be legally recognized entities or individuals able to contract with the Commonwealth, excluding federal agencies and federal employees. Up to $1.3 million may be requested, with no match requirement. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis for approved project costs, and the contract is anticipated to run through September 30, 2027.