NECWA News Blog

Help NECWA Save Ocean Sunfish  NECWA just started a new GoFundMe campaign to raise money for our upcoming fall stranding season. NECWA saved over 60 live ocean sunfish last season and necropsied over 100 carcasses last season. Help us protect these amazing animals by donating through our new GoFundMe campaign and thank you. 

The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is a volunteer and student driven nonprofit based in Southeastern Massachusetts. We are dedicated to rescue, research, and protection of coastal wildlife around New England, backed by our motto “Every Animal Counts”. We believe it is our duty to help any creature in need. What sets NECWA apart are the passionate interns leading the way. Currently for summer 2025, 40 college and high school students from all over the state and internationally are involved in running the engine.  Intern duties include conservation work, educational outreach, and research to protect our coasts.  Chloe inputting data in the NECWA field office in Marion For the summer 2025 season,, with our Southcoast Terrapin Project (STP), NECWA is working with a total of 41 interns in various fields of study. There are 28 field researchers who track, rescue, and monitor local wildlife ranging from Diamondback Terrapins, Box Turtles, Torpedo Rays and Ocean Sunfish...

Great article on NECWA's Southcoast Terrapin Project in Wareham Weekly.  To read the entire article, go to: https://wareham.theweektoday.com/article/catch-record-conserve-turtles-our-waterways/76435

Join NECWA for Sheep Day at Soule Homestead! Mark your calendar for Sheep Day at Soule Homestead Education Center in Middleboro, MA on Saturday, May 17, from 10 am - 3 pm. All are welcome to enjoy a laid-back, fun-filled day on the farm! Come visit the NECWA tent to learn more about the unique coastal marine wildlife of New England. Free educational material and marine artifacts on display. Learn about the rescue and research activities that NECWA oversees and hear about our upcoming Southcoast Terrapin Project focused on a threatened species of marsh turtle that lives in our area. Grab your tickets in advance by following this link. Adult tickets are $12, children (3-12) are $7, and ages 0-2 are free. Tickets will also be available at the gate (slightly higher price), and all proceeds support Soule Homestead, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and beloved community resource. Enjoy live sheep shearing with expert and educator Aaron, sheepdog demos with Mike from Sheepdog Junction, and fiber arts d...

NECWA will be at the 2025 grand opening of the Plymouth Farmer's Market! Stop by the NECWA information table at the Plymouth Farmer's Market, Thursday, May 15th, from 2:30 pm - 6 pm. We’ll have information about marine wildlife and current conservation efforts. Ask about volunteer opportunities! Starting June 5, we will be at the market every other week. The Plymouth Farmers Market offers fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and artisan goods to residents and visitors of Plymouth and the South Shore. It highlights the region’s agricultural diversity, supports a thriving local food economy, and promotes awareness of seasonal eating.  The market fosters food literacy and community well-being by educating the public about local food systems and how to prepare healthy meals with seasonal ingredients. It’s also a vibrant social hub celebrating local farmers, artisans, and food traditions in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. See you there!

Happy Mother's Day from all of us at NECWA.  May you know how much you are appreciated and loved.   

 Join Krill Carson and Billie-Jo Gibbons for a fun, family program. NECWA's Salt model is a life-sized inflatable of a living whale who is the Grande Dame of the humpback whales off New England.  Kids and adults can go inside and view inflated organs and structures that are inside. And NECWA will have lots of additional activities that are hands-on and meaningful. 

River Herring are migrating from their ocean homes to our freshwater rivers and lakes to spawn. This annual spring migration is amazing to see. The Wareham Street Fish Ladder is one of the strongest runs in New England. The fish are funning in full force right now, but things will slow down as we near the end of the spawning run. Hope you can stop by soon to seen and experience this incredible sight of nature. 

We hope you can take a few moments today to go outside and enjoy Mother Nature! There is no Plan B. It reminds us of the appeal from late Pope Francis who wrote "On Care for Our Common Home." That statement is so beautiful and so true! The beautiful Earth Day design was created by NECWA Graphic Design intern, Hadley Blood who is currently an undergrad at Salem State.