Scientists Start GoFundMe to Save Right Whales

The North Atlantic right whale is one of our planet's most endangered marine animals. Only 380 of these whales remain alive today. Scientists who study and protect them are now trying something new to keep their work going.

The Marineland Right Whale Project started a GoFundMe to raise $15,000 for whale protection efforts. Federal budget cuts have made it much harder for marine scientists to get research funding. The Trump administration wants to cut the National Science Foundation by 55% and NASA by 23%. These cuts put important conservation work at risk.

Our community of scientists and volunteers does critical work to save these whales. They survey the ocean daily to find and count the whales. When they spot a whale, they alert ships to slow down and change course. This prevents deadly ship strikes that have killed many right whales. The project has over 250 volunteers who help track whales from Cape Cod to Florida.

Only 70 female right whales can still have babies. In 2025, just 11 whale calves were born. These numbers show how close we are to losing this species forever. The volunteers' work helps protect mothers and babies during their yearly migration from December to March.

We can all help save these whales. The GoFundMe has raised over $4,400 so far toward its $15,000 goal. Anyone who spots a right whale can call the Right Whale Hotline at 1-888-979-4253. Our donations buy special equipment like drones and cameras that help scientists do their life-saving work.