New York’s marine waters are home to various marine life, including large whales!
Whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and boaters must stay at least 500 yards (1,500 feet) away from North Atlantic right whales and at least 100 yards from all other whales. If a whale approaches you, remember to idle your engine and not to re-engage power until the whale has cleared your path. Attempting to leave the area may interrupt natural behaviors such as feeding, nursing, resting, and traveling, or could result in a vessel strike causing harm to the whale and/or boat. For more information visit, NOAA’s Marine Life Viewing Guidelines.
Report all sightings of marine mammals or sea turtles to DEC by using our Flipper Files digital survey. If you suspect a marine mammal or sea turtle is sick or injured, call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal.
NOAA Fisheries announced a new and extended voluntary right whale Slow Zone in response to the Center for Coastal Studies aerial survey team sighting the presence of right whales south and southeast of Nantucket, MA on August 16, 2021. The Slow Zones are in effect immediately through August 31, 2021. Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the following areas. Visit NOAA’s website for more information.
