Space to Sea — A Photographic Journey into Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary

Keith Ellenbogen

Revealing the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary ecosystem, from the iconic humpback whales to its
tiniest microscopic creatures

Keith Ellenbogen’s innovative project will showcase the never before photographed underwater world of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Working closely with Alison Nolan, Principal at Boston Harbor Cruises, Ellenbogen will use scale and focus to reveal the sanctuary’s diverse marine ecosystem, from its largest creatures, such as the iconic humpback whale and basking shark, to its smallest microscopic plankton. To visualize the vast signatures of plankton too small to be seen by the naked eye, Ellenbogen will use NASA satellite imagery. Keith and colleagues will combine the satellite imagery with underwater photography techniques, 360˚virtual reality, and microscopy to provide a new window into the sanctuary. Images from this project will increase awareness of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and inspire people to take action to protect this important resource. Over the next few years Keith will be diving extensively throughout the cold waters of the sanctuary, and MIT Sea Grant looks forward to sharing his images and discoveries along the way.

This project is funded by a three-year 2018 Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Award from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. The Ernest F. Hollings Ocean Awareness Award aims to increase stewardship of natural and cultural resources in America’s neighboring oceans and Great Lakes. Established in 2005, the award reflects the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation’s commitment to the legacy of U.S. Senator Ernest F. Hollings, who authored an extraordinary range of laws to safeguard America’s oceans and coasts. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million to more than 60 groups for research, conservation, education and outreach projects supporting the National Marine Sanctuary System and healthy oceans.

Check-out Keith’s Project Log for frequent updates!

ABOUT KEITH

Keith is a celebrated underwater conservation photographer who is working with MIT Sea Grant as a Visiting Artist at the intersection of art, science and technology, to spark marine conservation and ocean awareness. He is a Senior Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, Fellow with The Explorers Club, and an Affiliate Partner with Mission Blue — A Sylvia Earle Alliance. He was a 2015 CAST Visiting Artist at MIT and 2006-7 U.S. Fulbright Fellow. He holds an MFA from Parsons School for Design. Keith is an Assistant Professor of Photography at SUNY/Fashion Institute of Technology.

Keith’s photography is currently on exhibit within the Katádysi Art Gallery at MIT Sea Grant.

LEARN MORE (www.keithellenbogen.com)

ABOUT MIT SEA GRANT

For over 40 years, the MIT Sea Grant College Program has brought the expertise of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to bear on ocean-related challenges. MIT Sea Grant’s rigorous research program, dedicated outreach programs and integrated educational initiatives are aimed at providing real-world solutions to coastal questions and helping to create the coastal stewards of tomorrow. MIT Sea Grant is dedicated to nurturing a sustainable connection between the arts and sciences that increases ocean awareness and artistic expression.

LEARN MORE (seagrant.mit.edu)

CONTACT KEITH

Keith Ellenbogen
Project Lead
t: 646-234-9473
e: kellenbogen@gmail.com

CONTACT MIT SEA GRANT

Ben Bray
t: 617-252-1675
e: bbray@mit.edu

About Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is located in our backyard, just 25 nautical miles off the coast of Boston, between Cape Ann and Cape Cod. Similar to our national parks, marine sanctuaries are federally designated areas that protect important natural marine environments and historic resources, while hosting extraordinary recreational activies such as whale watching, fishing, bird watching and shipwreck diving.

About the National National Marine Sanctuary Foundation

The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is the chief non-profit partner for our National Marine Sanctuary System. The Foundation focuses on conserving areas of national significance in America’s neighboring oceans and Great Lakes by engaging citizens and communities in education, research, and on-the-ground conservation work.

PARTNERS

Founded in 1926, Boston Harbor Cruises (BHC) is the most experienced passenger vessel operator in the Northeast, featuring a comprehensive 60-vessel fleet. Family-owned and operated, BHC offers a variety of excursion, charter and commuter-based cruises to more than 2.5 million passengers each year. BHC’s mission sets a course to provide safe, enjoyable water transportation options, while fostering blue practices – preserving and defending the ocean that gives the company purpose and possibility – with particular focus on our nearby National Marine Sanctuary, Stellwagen Bank and its cetacean population in partnership with the New England Aquarium.