New England and Mid-Atlantic Species Highlight
North Atlantic Right Whale
Eubalaena glacialis
Fast Facts:
- Critically endangered
- Length: up to 52 feet
- Weight: up to 70 tons
- Life Span: up to 70 years
What to Watch For
- V-shaped spout (not always distinct or visible)
- No dorsal fin on their back
- Short, paddle-shaped flippers
Surfacing Behavior
Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Fast Facts:
- Length: 45 – 56 feet
- Weight: 25 – 40 tons
- Life Span: 50+ years
What to Watch For
- Short, bushy spout
- Distinctive white pattern on the underside of their flukes (tail)
- Long flippers, approximately 1/3 of body length
- Dorsal fin (fin on back)
- Surface activity including: resting, feeding, breaching
Surfacing Behavior
New England and Mid-Atlantic Laws
All marine mammals are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Some threatened and endangered marine mammal species are also protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Both of these Acts prohibit the harassment of whales, which is any action that has the potential to injure whales or disturb their natural behaviors.
MMPA
ESA
North Atlantic Right Whale Approach Regs
New England and Mid-Atlantic Boater Resources
Stranding hotline
Whale Alert
WhaleMap