Overharvesting during the 18th and 19th centuries has pushed many of the world's whale species to the brink of extinction. One of the rarest, the Right Whale, is found off the coast of Massachusetts; at present only 300-350 individuals remain worldwide.

Since the passage of the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1973, the public's knowledge and concern about whales has steadily increased and whalewatching has become a favorite summertime activity. On these expeditions, three species of whales are commonly observed: Minke Whales, at 20 to 30 feet (10m), are the smallest species and are not in danger of extinction. Humpback Whales (40-50'; 15m), and Fin Whales (79'; 24m). Both Humpbacks and Fin Whales are Endangered at both the Federal and State levels.

On this outing in July, 2000, participants in the Rare & Endangered Species Course at the Smith College Summer Science Program were able to observe many Minke and Fin Whales. Humpback whales, which are most famous for their songs and dramatic jumps, were also in the area, but were too far off the coast for us to observe on our one-day excursion.