Primary objective is to develop and test a whale aerial sampling platform (wasp) that can be used to remotely collect skin and blubber biopsy samples of marine mammals using drones

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded New England Aquarium Corporation a $188,121 Project Grant under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439) effective November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026. The primary objective is to develop and test a Whale Aerial Sampling Platform (WASP), a drone-based system designed to remotely collect skin and blubber biopsy samples from marine mammals. This technological innovation addresses operational challenges in marine mammal research by reducing human responder risk, minimizing stress to living marine mammals during sampling events, and expanding sample collection capacity for federal and state marine conservation efforts.

The Marine Mammal Data Program funds collection and analysis of marine mammal information in U.S. waters to support conservation, conflict resolution between marine mammals and fisheries, and population health assessment. The program supports diverse activities including stranding response, research, and data surveillance across coastal regions. New England Aquarium Corporation's award represents a discretionary competitive grant within the program's research portfolio and leverages the organization's established expertise in marine species monitoring, aerial survey operations, and marine conservation technologies developed through prior federal contracts and cooperative agreements with NOAA and other federal agencies.

Successful development of wasp would increase capacity to collect samples, reduce risk to human responders, and reduce stress to living marine mammals associated with sampling events.