New England and Mid-Atlantic Know Before You Go Mock Up

Seeing a whale while at sea is a special experience that can leave a lasting impression. While it is exciting, it is important to take steps to ensure your safety and theirs. Each whale and each scenario is different. There is no single strategy that will work in all situations, but following some basic guidelines can help to reduce the chances of accidental collisions.

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.

Your actions on the water help keep you, your family and friends, your boat, and whales safe.

Learning to identify the different whales in your region can help you make safe decisions when boating near them. Learn more about the whale species of the Northeast and Mid Atlantic below!

Whale Behaviors to Look Out For

North Atlantic Right Whales

North Atlantic right whales are generally in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic to feed! They engage in what is called “skim feeding” where they open their mouths while swimming at the water’s surface.

Video from New England Aquarium Right Whale Research Program, right whales filmed under NOAA Permit.

In addition to feeding, right whales also form what are called “Surface Active Groups” or SAGs!

Video from New England Aquarium Right Whale Research Program, right whales filmed under NOAA Permit.

Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are very common residents in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic! They engage in many active behaviors, and can frequently be seen from boats.

Humpbacks feed by lunging, either horizontally at the surface, or vertically from below the surface. In both instances, it is important to note that the whale is focused on feeding, not what is nearby! If you see a humpback whale feeding, it may surface erratically and come up where you might not expect. Steer clear of bubbles, and give feeding whales space!

Video from New England Aquarium

Humpback whales also engage in other surface active behaviors including breaching, fin or fluke slapping, and spy hopping. These behaviors can be exciting to see, but it is important to give the whales adequate space to protect the whales and your passengers!

North Atlantic Right Whale Regulations and Recommendations

North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered whales, whose population is estimated to include approximately 380 individuals. Vessel strikes are a significant cause of mortality to this species, and in order to protect right whales from interactions with vessels, there are additional laws protecting them in place.

Required By Law

Federal regulations prohibit approaching right whales within 500 yards (1500 feet) – this includes all vessels, jet skis, drones, and aircraft.

If you find yourself within 500 yards, depart at a slow, safe speed at 10 knots or less.

Vessels 65 ft and larger are required to slow their speeds to 10 knots in Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs).

Encouraged

Operators should notify other vessels in the area of the presence of right whales when possible.

Have someone onboard report right whale sightings to NOAA’s reporting hotline: 1-866-755-6622 or the USCG on VHF Ch. 16.

All vessels are encouraged to reduce speed to 10 knots in Voluntary Slow Zones, and areas where right whales were sighted or acoustically detected.

New England and Mid-Atlantic Boater Resources

These are additional resources that may help local boaters gain more information on where to report whale sightings and injured whales, as well as localized whale observations.

Stranding hotline

Whale Alert

WhaleMap

Active Right Whale Slow Zones and SMAs