The Boston Harbor Association- Home

The Boston Harbor Association (TBHA) is the leading harbor advocacy group working to promote a clean, alive, and accessible Boston Harbor. Founded in 1973 by the League of Women Voters and the Boston Shipping Association, TBHA prides itself in its creative and innovative programs that help to educate the public and build a consensus for a clean and alive Harbor. The Boston Harbor Association is making a difference today and for future generations with solutions and programs that promote maritime industrial activities, environmental protection, and public access around Boston Harbor.

TBHA cares about Boston Harbor as New England's maritime port, as a recreational and tourist asset, and as the centerpiece of the area's natural and urban environment. TBHA advocates for greater public access and open space along Boston Harbor, promotes the Port of Boston's economy, educates urban youths about Boston Harbor and related career opportunities through our Harbor Bound program, encourages affordable public water transportation throughout the Harbor, monitors water quality improvements, and works for the restoration of Boston Harbor Beaches. The Boston Harbor Association is making a difference every day on Boston Harbor!

New England Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Center

Fur Seal at the New England Aquarium's Marine Mammal Center

Be sure to visit the New England Aquarium’s newest addition, the Marine Mammal Center on the new HarborWalk (see photos above and below), starting 1 July 2009. The new $10 million facility will be home to five fur seals; there are only 20 fur seals in captivity in the world today. Visitors will be able to see and hear the seals, and view informational panels. Seating is available during four seal shows daily. In the evening, LED strips make for an interesting walk along the Aquarium’s newest HarborWalk segment. For further information, please visit http://www.neaq.org or call 617-973-5281.

The new pavilion and new HarborWalk segment at the Aquarium
opened to the public on 1 July 2009

Battery Wharf Museum

Another addition to the HarborWalk this year is the new pocket maritime museum on the HarborWalk, Battery Wharf Museum, which opens to the public on 6 July 2009 as part of the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel and Sensing Restaurant complex.

Battery Wharf Museum

Learn fascinating maritime and Coast Guard history in this free exhibition space. From the 24-hour observation deck on the second floor, enjoy breathtaking views of Boston Harbor. The well-designed Battery Wharf section of the HarborWalk features free rest rooms, interpretive signage, telescopes, and an attractive water taxi pavilion and dock for transportation all around the harbor and to the airport. For further information, please visit www.fairmont.com/batterywharf or call (617) 994-9000.

Battery Wharf Museum

“Your Drinking Water Report”

Have you taken a look at “Your Drinking Water Report” lately? The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA)’s just-released report shows that of the 120 contaminants tested in 2008, every standard was met. Lead test results for the City of Boston in 2008 show that drinking water provided by the MWRA’s Quabbin Reservoir was below the federal Lead Action Level. Take comfort in the fact that, according to the MWRA, “For less than a penny a gallon, you receive some of the cleanest, best tasting drinking water in the country!” For a copy of the report, please call the MWRA at 617-242-5323.

2009 Water Transportation Improvements
to Salem-Boston Service

Effective immediately through 30 October 2009, the MBTA and the City of Salem will launch a pilot program for the Summer 2009 season to introduce the MBTA monthly pass on the Salem Ferry service. The pilot program includes the following provisions:

The monthly MBTA Boat pass and Commuter Rail Zones 5-8 will be honored as valid fare on the Salem Ferry for the following weekday commuter trips: departing Salem at 7 a.m.; departing Boston at 5:10 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.

The monthly Boat pass is also valid on MBTA services up to commuter rail Zone 4, so Salem Ferry commuters with this pass will now be able to access the MBTA system.

In addition, the Seaport TMA and Seaport Asset Management have worked closely with Water Transportation Alternatives, which operates the Salem Ferry for the City of Salem, to secure a direct ride to the Seaport area in Boston via the Salem Ferry. MBTA passes will also be valid at the World Trade Center dock in the Seaport District.

The Boston Harbor Association congratulates the City of Salem, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Water Transportation Alternatives, Seaport TMA, and Seaport Asset Management for their cooperative efforts to improve water transportation for North Shore residents.