Watch Out for Whales While Boating
During the summer, there’s an increase in marine life off of New York’s coasts, including large whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are one of the most common whale species found in New York’s waters. They can be found close to shore due to their diet of nearshore small fish and crustaceans, mainly menhaden (bunker) and krill. They are also commonly seen close to the surface, and display breaching (jumping out of the water - see image below) and slapping their tail and fins, which scientists believe is a form of communication.
Whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and boaters must stay at least 500 yards (1,500 feet) away from North Atlantic right whales and at least 100 yards from all other whales.
If a whale approaches you, please remember to idle your engine and not to re-engage power until the whale has cleared your path. Attempting to leave the area may interrupt natural behaviors such as feeding, nursing, resting, and traveling, or could result in a vessel strike causing harm to the whale and/or boat. For more information view NOAA’s marine viewing guidelines.
Report any sightings of marine mammals or sea turtles to DEC by using our Flipper Files digital survey. If you suspect a marine mammal or sea turtle is sick or injured, please call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal.
During the summer, there’s an increase in marine life off of New York’s coasts, including large whales and dolphins. Humpback whales are one of the most common whale species found in New York’s waters. They can be found close to shore due to their diet of nearshore small fish and crustaceans, mainly menhaden (bunker) and krill. They are also commonly seen close to the surface, and display breaching (jumping out of the water - see image below) and slapping their tail and fins, which scientists believe is a form of communication.
If a whale approaches you, please remember to idle your engine and not to re-engage power until the whale has cleared your path. Attempting to leave the area may interrupt natural behaviors such as feeding, nursing, resting, and traveling, or could result in a vessel strike causing harm to the whale and/or boat. For more information view NOAA’s marine viewing guidelines.
Report any sightings of marine mammals or sea turtles to DEC by using our Flipper Files digital survey. If you suspect a marine mammal or sea turtle is sick or injured, please call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal.
