Humpback whales are the most common whale seen in New York’s waters. The Atlantic Ocean humpback whale population has been increasing in recent years, so they were federally delisted as endangered in 2016. More humpback whales have been observed overwintering in our waters near shore, likely because of factors related to climate change, increased food abundance, and improved water quality. However, vessel strikes and gear entanglement are significant threats to whales along New York’s shores, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Collisions with vessels are the cause of many recent whale deaths. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries administer vessel speed reduction zones, including both mandatory and voluntary speed reduction areas for vessels. Obeying both will reduce the likelihood of deaths and serious injuries to critically endangered North Atlantic right whales that result from collisions with vessels (as well as to your vessel and all aboard).
All boaters from Maine to Virginia can sign up for email or text notifications about the latest Right Whale Slow Zones and Seasonal Management Areas (link below). Slow Zones provide added protection to all large whales and other marine mammals.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its stranding response partners, strives to respond to all whale stranding and mortality events to collect data and biological samples. If you come across a stranded marine mammal in New York, remain a safe and legal distance from the animal and immediately call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report its location.
Reports of marine mammal and sea turtle sightings from the public are crucial to helping collect vital information about local marine animal populations. Please send your detailed sightings of marine mammals and sea turtles by email to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society at sightings@amseas.org.
Photo Credit NOAA Teacher at Sea Program, NOAA Ship GORDON GUNTER
