Generation Blue

What is Generation Blue?

Generation Blue is a youth-led initiative focused on engaging young people in marine conservation, education, and advocacy. Currently, our efforts center on the Gulf of Maine, with a particular emphasis on critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Who is Generation Blue?

My name is George Savvides, and I am a senior at Holliston High School. I plan to continue my studies at Northeastern University, pursuing a degree in marine biology. I serve as an educator at the New England Aquarium and with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Through these roles, I have become deeply connected to the local marine issues our environment is facing. In particular, I have learned about North Atlantic right whales, a critically endangered species that lives so close to us, yet remains largely unheard of. Understanding their story and the challenges they face inspired me to take action by founding Generation Blue.

Generation Blue is more than awareness, it’s about empowerment and involvement. As the next generation, we have the responsibility and the ability to protect our oceans and shape a better future, it is our world, and its future is in our hands. We are all Generation Blue

Community Needs

North Atlantic right whales are a critically endangered species, with a population of around 380 individuals. Find out more below.

The Gulf of Maine stretches from the tip of Cape Cod to the shores of Nova Scotia and is one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. Scientists report that the Gulf is warming 90% faster than the rest of the ocean, largely due to human impacts such as climate change.

Vessel strikes are a leading cause of death for many marine mammal species and are largely due to a lack of awareness about how to spot and safely navigate around marine life.

Even though these issues are local to New England, many people still don’t know about them or fully understand what is happening and why.

North Atlantic Right Whales

What is a Right Whale?

North Atlantic right whales are large, long-lived baleen whales that can weigh between 50 and 70 tons. They primarily feed on tiny zooplankton called calanoid copepods, filtering them from the water using their baleen plates. These whales are considred costal and were once found across the entire North Atlantic, but due to extensive whaling, (where got their name being considered the “right whale to hunt”) only the North American population remains today. Once numbering between 9,000 and 21,000 individuals, they are now critically endangered, with a population of only around 380 whales. Today, all of the major threats they face are caused by human activity.

Threats:

1.) Vessel Strikes

Vessel strikes are one of the most serious threats to North Atlantic right whales, which are often called “urban whales” because they live in busy coastal waters with heavy ship traffic. Their lack of a dorsal fin makes them especially difficult for boaters to spot, reducing the chance of slowing down in time to avoid a collision. Although they are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, regulations are not always followed or enforced. In recent years, vessel strikes have been responsible for about half of known right whale deaths, and with an estimated two-thirds of deaths going undetected, the true impact is likely even greater.

2.) Entanglement

Entanglement in fishing gear is another major threat facing North Atlantic right whales. Over 86% of individuals have been entangled at least once, with nearly 2,000 recorded events since 1980, most involving fixed gear such as lobster and snow crab lines. These entanglements can last for months or even years, causing chronic pain, extreme stress, infection, and often death. Even when whales manage to shed or have the gear removed, the long-term impacts can be severe, including poor health and reduced ability to reproduce, which further threatens the survival of the species.

3.) Climate Change

Climate change is rapidly altering the habitat of North Atlantic right whales by disrupting the availability of their primary food source: cold-water calanoid copepods. The Gulf of Maine is one of the fastest warming bodies of water in the world and is becoming less suitable for these prey species, causing them to shift north into areas like the Gulf of St. Lawrence. As a result, right whales are also changing their feeding patterns and moving into new, often unprotected waters. These shifts make their behavior less predictable and increase their risk of entanglement and vessel strikes, while regulations have struggled to keep pace with these changes.

Project Goals

The initiative’s main goal is to spread awareness about the North Atlantic right whale and how we can protect it, while also engaging and connecting youth to the cause. To achieve this, we are focused on three project main areas.

Marina Signs

Creating signs that will be donated to marinas to educate boaters about local whale species, how to spot whales, and safe boating practices, with the goal of reducing vessel strikes with whales.

Public Outreach

Spreading awareness about right whales and marine conservation to engage more people in the cause, because knowing about right whales helps protect right whales.

Youth Involvement

Engaging youth and inspiring passion for marine conservation, because we are the next generation of ocean advocates.

Our Partners:

New England Aquarium

Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean life

HHS Marine Conservation

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

How Can you help?

Anyone can help protect North Atlantic right whales by making small but powerful choices that reduce human impacts on the ocean. Boaters can slow down in known whale areas and stay alert for sightings to help prevent vessel strikes. Supporting sustainable seafood and responsible fisheries can also reduce the risk of entanglement in fishing gear. Staying informed and spreading awareness helps more people understand the challenges these whales face and why they matter. Even simple actions like sharing information, supporting conservation organizations, or reporting whale sightings contribute to protecting this critically endangered species and ensuring their survival for future generations.

Additional Info

Inugural MA Ocean Day

March 31 2026

On the inaugural Massachusetts Ocean Day, I spoke representing the youth of Massachusetts. I additionally met with representatives to discuss the environmental bond bill and polystyrene ban.

MA Right Whale Day

April 24 2026

A day dedicated to our states marine mammal.

Gulf of Maine Collage

Coming Soon to HHS Art Saves Lives

A multi-grade installation representing the biodiversity of the Gulf of Maine through artwork depicting 16 species, including mammals, fish, birds, and invertebrates.

Lecture at Bethany Health Care Center

May 12 2026

I gave a 30-minute lecture to residents of the Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham. The lecture covered the background of the Gulf of Maine, North Atlantic right whales, and marine conservation.

Ocean Education Night

Coming Soon

A night hosted by HHS Marine Conservation dedicated to engaging younger learners in marine science. The event will focus on the Gulf of Maine and its biodiversity through fun games and interactive activities.

Stay Connected

Generation Blue

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HHS Marine Conservation

@hhs_marine_conservation

Field Work

Spring Right Whale Survey with NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.

On May 2, 2026, I boarded the AUK research vessel to assist in the search for North Atlantic right whales and help researchers better understand their current population density in Cape Cod Bay. My role on the survey was to stand on the bow of the vessel and spot whales in the distance.

While the trip was unsuccessful in locating right whales, we did encounter Nile, a commonly sighted humpback whale that I have now seen four different times. What made this trip especially memorable was observing Nile alongside her new 2026 calf.

Gulf of Maine PSA

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