Whale Sightings in Long Island Sound Prompt Warnings from Experts

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Recent humpback whale sightings in Long Island Sound have prompted NOAA Fisheries to remind boaters to watch out for the large mammals.

Boaters should keep an eye out for the whales and remember to follow safe viewing guidelines, including staying 100 feet away from them—for their safety and the safety of the boaters.

On July 21, a fishing party in the sound off New Rochelle spotted a humpback whale breaching several yards from the boat.

The agency said humpback whales can reach 60 feet in length and can weigh about 40 tons.

The whales are thought to be close to shore to feed on small fish.

Besides risking a collision, getting in close proximity to the mammals could cause it to stop feeding.

All whales in U.S. waters are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal for people to harm, injure, kill, chase or harass whales or any other marine mammal.

"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. "Also, please report any sightings. Locating the whales will help us keep them safe."

Report any sightings to NOAA Fisheries' Marine Mammal Stranding and Entanglement Hotline at 866-755-NOAA (6622) or, in Connecticut waters, to Mystic Aquarium's Animal Rescue Hotline at 860-572-5955, ext. 107, and in New York waters, to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation stranding hotline at 631-369-9829.

Whale-watching guidelines can be found here.

Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org by User:russavia.