Located out on Cape Cod, Woods Hole was once a peaceful fishing village of old salty dogs, whaling ships and a setting for the country’s very first institution for the study of our oceans and marine habitats. Established in 1871, the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries was the first agency tasked to protect America's fisheries.
   Today, the world renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI), a spinoff of the Fish Commission, shares this tourist town with thousands of summer vacationers. Along with the charming sights of New England harbors and fishing boats, tourists are also drawn to the WHOI Exhibit Center. The NOAA Fisheries Service, a descendant of the Fish Commission, sponsors the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. Aquarium exhibits include typical New England fish and invertebrate, plus many tropicals which ride the Gulf Stream to Massachusetts. Lead by knowledgeable WHOI guides, summer walking tours offer a look at the village facilities and the dock area on Eel Pond (pictured here).
   Funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, the institute initially operated during the summer months. Along with its notable discoveries and development of advanced technologies, education has become a key component of WHOI's mission. The institute is committed to understanding all facets of the ocean as well and its complex connections with Earth’s atmosphere, land and human life.
   Although the institution overshadows the village, Falmouth and Woods Hole know how to cater to its tourists. Whether it’s shopping or dining, biking or beaching it, Woods Hole is small enough to enjoy without a car.

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