Dock with Purpose: A Mariner’s Guide to Supporting Science and Conservation

Along Gloucester’s waterfront, where maritime history runs deep, lies a dock that offers more than just a place to tie up. It offers a broader mission: to support marine science and conservation efforts that extend far beyond the harbor. This is a place where seafaring tradition meets modern innovation, where the choice of where you dock can make a difference. Learn more about Ocean Alliance, it's mission, and add it to your cruising bucket-list to visit this summer.

Dock with Purpose: A Mariner’s Guide to Supporting Science and Conservation
By Ocean Alliance Docks

Tucked along the rugged, storied coastline of Gloucester, Massachusetts – America’s oldest seaport – lies a dock unlike any other and where your voyage becomes part of something far greater. At the private docks of Ocean Alliance your voyage becomes more than a passage; it becomes part of a mission to understand and protect whales and the ocean. 

Where Legacy Meets Innovation

Located at the historic red brick Tarr and Wonson Paint Manufactory, a beacon of Gloucester’s rich maritime heritage, these docks offer more than shelter and amenities—they offer a place to make a difference. When you dock at Ocean Alliance, you are directly supporting Ocean Alliance’s pioneering work in whale research and conservation. 

The Science You Support

Among Ocean Alliance’s most innovative programs is Drones for Whale Research. At the heart of this program is SnotBot, a drone that collects exhaled breath condensate (whale “snot”) from whales in a non-invasive manner. From these exhaled breath condensate samples, scientists can look at DNA, microbiome, and hormones to help understand the overall health and population of whales. 

SnotBot’s latest adventure is deploying biologging suction-cup tags on the backs of whales. These temporary suction-cup tags are equipped with hydrophones (underwater microphones), cameras, and other sensors that collect acoustic, behavioral, and movement data. Scientists can hear and see what the whales are doing under water. Essentially, these tags are like activity trackers to monitor the health and behavior of whales. The tags are helping researchers understand how whales behave and respond to noise pollution, ship traffic, and climate change. 

Ocean Alliance’s tools are revolutionizing how humans understand and protect whales and the marine environment. Every night you spend at the Ocean Alliance docks, helps to fund these programs. 

The Heart of Gloucester

This is a place where legacy meets innovation. From its 1863 roots in developing anti-fouling ship bottom paint to its current role as Ocean Alliance’s hub for marine science, the Paint Factory tells a powerful story of transformation, innovation, and purpose.  

While your boat rests at the dock, you are steps away from Gloucester’s vibrant cultural scene: renowned art galleries, maritime museums, restaurants, sandy beaches, and sunsets. But the true value of your stay is not just the views you enjoy; it is the mission you support. 

Dock with Purpose

By choosing to dock at Ocean Alliance you are not only enjoying the charms of New England’s coast, but you are also helping to protect the very waters you transit. Dock at Ocean Alliance and contribute to the mission to protect whales and the ocean.

Planning a visit to Gloucester this summer? Secure your spot at the Ocean Alliance Docks on Dockwa (and enjoy 20% off dockage through June 15th as a Dockwa+ member!).

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