Who needs a whale watch when you can just look off the shore into the Long Island Sound.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Tuesday there have been reported sightings of the large aquatic mammal in recent days not far from shore on the far western stretch of the Long Island Sound.
Officials believe there are a number of humpbacks close to shore feeding on small fish.
But this news of the whales in the area wasn’t without warning for boaters and fishermen in the area. These humpbacks “create bubble clouds to corral their prey, and then lunge through the center to swallow the small fish,” NOAA said.
If boaters find their way into these bubble patches on the surface of the water, they could find a massive whale coming their way is it heads quickly to the surface, NOAA said.
“In addition to keeping a sharp lookout, we also ask that should the whales approach your boat, you put your boat in neutral until they have passed safely,” says NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Response Coordinator Mendy Garron in a news release. “Also, please report any sightings. Locating the whales will help us keep them safe.”
NOAA also warned that nearby boats may stop the animals, protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, from feeding. NOAA said it’s illegal for people to harm, injure, kill, chase or harass whales, and people could face up to $20,000 and a year in prison.
NOAA says people looking for more information about humpback whales, they can visit their website.
