Allied Whale opens a research facility on Mount Desert Rock

Located around 25 nautical miles south of campus, the remote island was an ideal location to conduct field research. In collaboration with the Coast Guard, Allied Whale was able to seasonally occupy the islands light tower, boat house and lightkeepers house to conduct photographical surveys of marine life as well as other scientific projects. Students continue to visit the island each season as a part of COA’s Islands Program. 

Looking for more information? Click 'Related Items' to check out the Islands and Islands Programs collection.

Image Source: Richard Cheek, “Mount Desert Rock Light Station, Twenty miles south of Mount Desert Island, Frenchboro, Hancock County, ME” Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress, 1933, accessed 9/17/2025, https://picryl.com/media/mount-desert-rock-light-station-twenty-miles-south-of-mount-desert-island-frenchboro