Whales make New York City waters a 'marine safari' destination

New York City's waterways are becoming an unexpected marine safari destination, with humpback whales frequently spotted against the iconic skyline. This surge in sightings is a testament to successful conservation efforts and a changing marine environment.

“

People fly to different parts of the world to go on safari, and what I think a lot of people don't realize is that the marine safari is right out here.

Once hunted to near extinction, humpback whale populations have rebounded significantly, partly due to protections like the Endangered Species Act and improved water quality. These marine mammals, some growing as large as city buses, are finding ample food in the New York Bight, an area extending off the city, Long Island, and New Jersey.

Marine scientists like Carl LoBue of The Nature Conservancy express astonishment at the frequency of these sightings. LoBue recalls a time when whale sightings were exceptionally rare, but now he observes them almost every time he is on the water. The growing numbers include not only humpbacks but also critically endangered North Atlantic Right whales, adding to the spectacle.

“

I never thought that I would see whales like this off the coast of New York.

Factors contributing to this marine resurgence include cleaner waters, supported by air and water protections, and the proliferation of Atlantic menhaden, an oily fish that serves as a staple food for whales. Climate change also plays a role, as warming waters alter bait fish distributions, leading whales to explore new feeding grounds. Chris St. Lawrence, a naturalist with Gotham Whale, notes that his organization's catalog has grown from just five whales in 2012 to 80-100 unique individuals seen annually, with the 500th individual whale identified around New York City recently.

“

The new normal is spectacular.