Lasting Hope LLC: Documenting Endangered Whales
Project Overview:
Wildpath, a leading conservation media company, and NOAA Southeast Fisheries are producing a short, science-driven film highlighting an endangered whale species in the Gulf of Mexico. The film will capture fieldwork, interviews with NOAA scientists, and whales in their natural environment, with the goal of raising awareness of a little-known but highly vulnerable species. The piece will be released on National Geographic’s YouTube channel and will also connect to a larger feature documentary on Dr. Sylvia Earle.
Program Partners
- Wildpath
- NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center
- Ocean Alliance
Location
- Northeast Gulf of Mexico
Expected Time Frame
- November – December 2025
Duration of Expedition
- 7 Days (weather dependent)
Accommodation Needed
- 8 Researchers/Cinematographers
Special Equipment Needed
- Licensed captain; access to tender or smaller vessel; deck space for camera gear and space for biopsies under NOAA permits
Expedition parameters listed above are flexible and negotiable.
Background:
The endangered whale species of interest is one of the rarest in the world and resides exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico. Wildpath and NOAA Southeast Fisheries scientists are leading efforts to understand their habitat use, behavior, threats, and population status using methods such as tagging, acoustic monitoring, and visual surveys. This research provides the foundation for conservation measures designed to protect and recover the species.
Mission:
The goals of this expedition are to document NOAA’s research and build public awareness of an endangered whale species in the Gulf of Mexico. This outing hopes to amplify NOAA’s leadership in endangered species recovery and marine conservation and provide NOAA scientists with b-roll and interview footage for future outreach and education. The film aims to inspire public support for conservation strategies by spotlighting the vulnerability and importance of this species.
Applications:
Effective storytelling, such as through science-driven films, will inform public awareness and support science-based conservation policies and regulatory efforts.
Program Partners:
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