East Coast Ecosystems research organization (ECE) is a charitable organization whose primary concern is the fate of the North Atlantic right whale. Since 1986, ECE has been working with the New England Aquarium (NEAq) in Boston and other organizations in a collaborative effort to understand and conserve right whales. Much of our knowledge about right whales is based on the ability to distinguish between individuals.

One of our research efforts includes a continuing commitment as a contributor to the photographic collection known as the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalogue. Curated by NEAq, the catalogue contains about 13,000 photographed sightings of more than 380 right whales (some of which are known to have died) contributed by numerous organizations and individuals since 1935. By matching new photographs to this catalogue annually, researchers are provided with a method of tracking individual right whales through their lives. New sightings continually open windows of understanding and allow scientist to build on an ever-growing body of knowledge, increasing their ability to protect this rare animal.

East Coast Ecosystems is also involved in various conservation efforts. As we begin to gain a better understanding of this animal and how it lives, problems affecting its survival become more evident. A number of programs have been developed in an attempt to address these problems. These include educating mariners, government agencies, and the shipping industry about the problem of ship strikes; working with the shipping industry to assess how right whales react to large vessels; and working with the fishing industry to improve reporting of and response to entanglement incidents. ECE's conservation efforts are designed to help ensure the safety of right whales in Canadian waters.

For more information, you can write to:
East Coast Ecosystems
P.O. Box 36 Freeport
NS Canada
B0V 1B0

Or call toll free at 1-888-854-4440