New England Aquarium

08/24/2026

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is a biodiversity hotspot! 🌊🐋🐬

Last week, the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life aerial survey team flew over the Monument and had an incredible day in the air, spotting more than 2,000 animals representing 15 species.

Among the sightings were fin whales (including a mother and calf!) humpback whales, manta rays, four species of dolphins and, yes, even 11 whale sharks! The team also spotted a blue whale on the way to their first survey line.

Many of the observed animals were actively feeding. Whales were filtering prey from the water, while manta rays and some of the whale sharks were spotted with their mouths wide open. The team also observed patches of zooplankton, likely krill, in the water.

Why so much diversity? The warm Gulf Stream meets the deep submarine canyons at the shelf break, creating nutrient-rich waters that attract a wide variety of species, including seasonal visitors like whale sharks, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks.

The amazing sightings and beautiful photos from this flight highlight just how much of a summer biodiversity hotspot the Monument can be!

More: https://bit.ly/4zBsQf1

08/23/2026

At the Student Conference on Conservation Science, early career researchers from all over the world meet to connect, share ideas, and work together to advance conservation in new and inclusive ways!

Aurora Silva, a Marine Conservation Action Fund Early Career Ocean Professional project leader for the Aquarium, attended the conference earlier this year and presented her poster about fishers’ relationships with marine wildlife, showing that these connections go beyond the usual focus on the trade-off between conservation and tourism.

For Silva, attending this well-known conference was a great opportunity. She was able to meet people from major NGOs and conservation groups, and she asked about funding, career options, and possible partnerships.

More: https://bit.ly/4wxOoGV

MCAF project leader Aurora Maguina Silva shares her experience attending the SCCS conference at the University of Cambridge, England.

08/22/2026

POV: you booked a harbor seal encounter 🦭💙

Our Atlantic Harbor Seal Meet and Greet gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with these fascinating marine mammals! Learn about their biology, see some of their trained behaviors, and, if you're lucky, you may even get a kiss or a splash from one of the seals. 🥰

Note: These meet and greets are only available through September and will return later this year. Rules and regulations apply.

Book your meet and greet and read more about the experience and program details: https://bit.ly/4x7SwOF

08/21/2026

Some things (or turtles) only get better with age. 💅🏽🐢

We estimate that Myrtle, our Giant Ocean Tank queen, is somewhere between 75 and 95 years old, although we don't know her exact age because her hatch date is a mystery.

When Myrtle arrived at the Aquarium in 1970, just one year after we opened, she was already an adult green sea turtle. That means she was at least 20 to 40 years old then!

So, Myrtle has been swimming through life for roughly eight decades, and frankly, she’s earned every senior discount she can get. 😉

Happy National Senior Citizens Day to Myrtle and all the other seasoned citizens out there! 💚

08/20/2026

We had some beautiful weather for our fifth sea turtle release of the season! 🐢☀️

Yesterday, our team released four Kemp’s ridley sea turtles back into the ocean off Cape Cod after months of specialized care.

“Dumpling,” “Jumble,” “Lucky,” and “Old English” were rescued from Cape Cod beaches in November and December 2025 after becoming hypothermic. At the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy, our staff treated the turtles for a variety of life-threatening conditions, including pneumonia, dehydration, and trauma.

With their health restored, all four were cleared to return to the ocean! With this release, the Aquarium has now released 38 rehabilitated sea turtles this summer! 🎉

08/19/2026

You know what an Aquarium has a lot of? Water!💧

And have you ever stopped to think about who manages it all? It's our Environmental Quality team!

This small but mighty team manages more than 800,000 gallons across both the Aquarium and our Quincy Animal Care Center. They carefully treat the water to remove impurities, fine-tune its chemistry, and customize it for the unique needs of each habitat.

August is National Water Quality Month, and we're celebrating these behind-the-scenes heroes who help keep our water in tip-top shape for the Aquarium animals.

Thanks for everything you do, Environmental Quality team! 💙

More: https://bit.ly/4p8QQBc

08/18/2026

What does it mean to vote for the ocean? 🗳️🌊

It means voting for a healthier future—for people, wildlife, and the blue planet we all depend on.

🌎 Vote to strengthen climate resilience
🐋 Vote to protect endangered species and habitats
⚖️ Vote for balanced use of ocean resources
🔬 Vote to support scientific research

You have the power to make a difference for the ocean with your vote.

More: https://bit.ly/4zqhvhI

08/17/2026

Happy ! 🎊

For nearly 60 years, the Aquarium has been working to protect the blue planet through inspiring exhibits and experiences, groundbreaking research, and ocean advocacy. As a nonprofit, every aspect of our mission is made possible by the support of our community.

There are many ways to make an impact—donate, become a member, join our Blue Planet Giving Society, or plan a visit. Every contribution helps advance animal care, sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, research through our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, and so much more.

Support our mission and help protect the future of our ocean: https://bit.ly/4g6G8HD

08/15/2026

We aren't here to judge anyone's relaxation style... but we are here to show you a few. 😌

Our Aquarium animals have some pretty unique ways of kicking back, and thanks to our Animal Care staff, we've rounded up a few of our favorites.

Happy National Relaxation Day to all who celebrate—humans and animals alike. 💙

08/14/2026

Building a waterfront for all 🫶 💙

Our care for animals and our community doesn’t stop at the Aquarium doors! We’re working hard to make the waterfront a welcoming, resilient, and accessible place for everyone to enjoy.

Want to know what goes into making the waterfront a place for all? Luz Arregoces, our director of community engagement, shares how we’re working together to create a Downtown Waterfront for everyone, including:

🌊 Protecting our waterfront from the impacts of climate change

🤝 Teaming up to bring fun, free activities to the harborwalk

💬 Listening to our neighbors and gathering feedback through regular community sessions

Read the full interview with Luz to see how our community work is shaping the future of Boston’s waterfront!

More: https://bit.ly/4urVGeg

New England Aquarium