Environmental Factors

Aerial view of downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts, featuring the waterfront, docks, and nearby streets.

New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, located in Massachusetts, faces a range of environmental factors shaped by its coastal location and historical industrial activities. The park’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean subjects it to marine weather patterns, including coastal storms, high humidity, and salt air, which can accelerate the deterioration of historic structures and artifacts. Additionally, marine debris, such as plastics and other waste materials carried by ocean currents, can wash ashore, posing threats to both the natural and historic environments. Rising sea levels and more frequent severe storms, driven by changing environmental conditions, further exacerbate these challenges. As part of an urban environment, the park also contends with pollution from nearby industries and vehicular traffic, which can impact air quality and sustainability.