Who We Are
The American Cetacean Society (ACS) protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats through public education, research grants, and conservation actions.
Founded in 1967, the American Cetacean Society (ACS) is the oldest whale conservation group in the world. ACS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with multiple chapters across the United States. Our members live throughout the country and in more than 20 countries worldwide. We take our responsibility as participants in the web of life seriously, volunteering our time and resources to promote the health of the oceans and ultimately our planet.
How It All Began
The history of ACS is rich in irony. Founders Bemi DeBus and Clark Cameron originally explored the notion of “farming” whales to eradicate world hunger, only to discover that the whales themselves needed saving. With the help of scientists, educators, and volunteers, ACS was launched on November 3, 1967, as the first whale conservation group on the planet.
Over the decades, ACS’s grassroots efforts have inspired millions through whale watching and educational programs, leading to one of conservation’s greatest success stories: the recovery and removal of the Pacific gray whale from the Endangered Species List.
What We Do
ACS bridges the gap between the layperson and the complex world of science and research. We provide reliable information to students, teachers, and the public globally. Our work includes funding scientific research, sponsoring international conferences, maintaining naturalist training programs, and participating in conservation advocacy campaigns like preventing the use of harmful sonar.