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Whale Sighting Near Brooklyn Bridge Captivates New Yorkers
On Monday, residents of New York City were treated to an extraordinary sight as a whale was spotted swimming beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. The sighting quickly caught the attention of locals and marine enthusiasts alike.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed this rare occurrence to Gothamist, but they could not immediately determine whether the whale was a humpback or an endangered North Atlantic right whale. Humpbacks are more frequently observed in these waters; however, sightings of North Atlantic right whales have also increased, with over 80 reported off Long Island this summer.
Video footage shared by Fox News captured the whale spouting water from its blowhole against the backdrop of a stunning sunset, with onlookers expressing their amazement.
Community Reaction to the Sighting
The unexpected presence of the whale elicited gasps of joy from onlookers. One viewer exclaimed, “Oh! Did you see that?” as the majestic creature swam through the East River and came close to the Manhattan Bridge.
Insights from Marine Experts
According to Gotham Whale, an organization dedicated to monitoring marine life in the New York City area, such sightings are quite unusual. Their research director, Danielle Brown, mentioned to Fox News Digital that it remains unclear whether the whale is still in the vicinity, particularly during the busy travel season. “It is very possible that the whale was still in the area today but has just not been reported yet,” she stated.
Brown further noted that there could be dozens of humpback whales swimming along the New York and New Jersey coasts at this time.
Other Recent Whale Sightings
In a separate incident, Gotham Whale reported that two humpback whales—a mother and her calf—were spotted near Spring Lake, New Jersey, just a day prior. These whales were observed swimming in shallow waters, only about 30 feet deep, and were seen near fishing boats.
As the fall season approaches, the organization warns that it is a critical time for calves, who are weaning and preparing to fend for themselves. They emphasize the need for boaters and beachgoers to maintain a safe distance from whales, particularly mothers and their young.
Historical Context of Whale Sightings in NYC
This recent sighting is not isolated; in 2020, a humpback whale was seen in the Hudson River, likely drawn to the area by a concentration of small fish. Conversely, it is not uncommon for dead whales to wash ashore along the New York and New Jersey coastlines. A concerning trend was observed between December 2022 and February 2023, when 13 dead whales were documented in these regions.
The excitement generated by these sightings highlights the diverse marine life that inhabits New York’s waters and underscores the importance of marine conservation efforts.
Source
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