July 17, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Stay safe, stay alert, and keep your distance
On Monday, an adult female humpback whale and her calf were seen close to the shore, off Sandy Hook, NJ, reportedly feeding on menhaden.
Asbury Park Press posted a story, with photographs of the whales against a backdrop of people on the nearby beach.
It is not unusual for humpback whales to come close to shore when they are following their food.
NOAA Fisheries asks boaters off New Jersey and in New York Harbor to keep a close eye out for these feeding whales, and to remember to follow safe viewing guidelines, which include staying 100 feet away from the whales for your safety and theirs. Humpback whales can reach lengths of 60 feet, and can weigh around 40 tons.
In addition to the potential risk of a collision, the close proximity of a boat may cause a whale to stop feeding. All whales in U.S. waters are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal for people to harm, injure, kill, chase, or harass whales or any other marine mammal. Harassment includes any activity that results in changes to the whales’ natural behaviors, such as feeding. Penalties for Marine Mammal Protection Act violations are fines of up to $20,000 and up to one year in prison. In addition, some whales, including humpback whales, are also protected under the Endangered Species Act.
