Indigo Cetacean Research Center
Advancing scientific understanding of cetaceans through collaborative research, education, and conservation.
Video © Rachel Culberson Lock, 2025.
Experience a rare encounter with a pod of Sowerby's beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens) off the coast of Faial, Azores, Portugal! We recommend turning the sound on.
Research Philosophy
Our Approach
At the Indigo Cetacean Research Center, we believe that meaningful conservation begins with sound science. Our research philosophy emphasizes scientific rigor, collaboration, transparency, and the use of evidence to better understand cetaceans and the marine ecosystems they inhabit.
By integrating field observations, emerging technologies, long-term ecological data, and interdisciplinary partnerships, we seek to contribute to a growing body of scientific knowledge that supports informed conservation and responsible stewardship of our oceans.
Photo @Corinne Furniss, 2025
About ICRC
The Indigo Cetacean Research Center (ICRC) is the scientific research division of Project Indigo, dedicated to advancing the understanding and conservation of cetaceans through collaborative research, scientific communication, and public engagement.
ICRC seeks to expand our understanding of marine mammals and the ecosystems they inhabit by fostering partnerships among researchers, students, conservation organizations, government agencies, and industry. Through evidence-based science and meaningful collaboration, we strive to contribute knowledge that supports informed conservation and inspires future discovery.
Sperm whale fluke, off Faial, Azores, Portugal. Photo @ Rachel Culberson Lock, 2025
Areas of Scientific Interest
ICRC is particularly interested in advancing knowledge in areas including:​
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Cetacean ecology and behavior
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Marine mammal conservation
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Population biology and life history
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Deep-ocean cetaceans
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Marine spatial ecology and habitat use
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Environmental DNA (eDNA)
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Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM)
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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Remote sensing
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Marine mammal strandings
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Oceanographic influences on cetacean distribution
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Emerging technologies for non-invasive marine mammal research
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Endangered species in the Gulf of Mexico
Scientific Collaboration
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The Indigo Cetacean Research Center seeks to foster collaborative relationships with researchers, students, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, aquaria, and industry partners who share a commitment to advancing marine mammal science.
We believe that meaningful scientific progress is achieved through collaboration, transparency, and the open exchange of ideas. As ICRC continues to grow, we hope to contribute to research initiatives that expand our understanding of cetaceans while supporting evidence-based conservation throughout the Gulf of Mexico and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As the Indigo Cetacean Research Center develops, we envision expanding opportunities for collaborative research, scientific communication, field studies, and educational initiatives that connect people with the science of marine mammals and the importance of healthy oceans.
Future efforts may include partnerships that advance non-invasive research technologies, support conservation-focused investigations, and inspire the next generation of marine scientists.