Gotham Whale

06/02/2026

WARNING: WHALE SHIP STRIKE FOOTAGE ⚠️

Newly-released footage from Mid-Atlantic Whale Monitoring Project shows a camera-tagged Humpback Whale being struck by a 3000+ ton commercial ship in the shipping lanes near Virginia Beach.

According to the on-site research team, the whale's behavior seemed normal in the 30 minutes following this incident, but they were never re-sighted for reassessment. The approaching vessel was traveling at the recommended 10 knots, which has been shown to reduce the chance of ship strike deaths by 80 to 90 percent. Reducing vessel speeds is the best way to mitigate vessel strike deaths in large whales.

06/01/2026

If this upsets you, now is the time to act‼️ 🐳💥🚢
➡️ DEADLINE IS TOMORROW, JUNE 2!

Seasonal slow zones during Right Whale migration act like an umbrella for all of our whale species, including Humpbacks and Fin Whales. Studies have shown that slowing vessels to 10 knots or less reduces the risk of a lethal collision by ‼️90 percent‼️ Getting rid of these slow zones will kill more whales. Proposed alternative technological solutions are unproven, not yet scalable, and gamble with the fate of this critically-endangered species.

🔗 Visit THIS link to leave a public comment in support of the Vessel Speed Rule, of speed limits, and of strengthening protections for Right Whales, not weakening them. 💪

https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-04260

06/01/2026

Time is running out to issue a public comment in support of the Vessel Speed Rule. If you care about whales, this is the time to act.

We Need Your Voice Now.

06/01/2026

Fin Whale sighting! 😮

Our whale-watching contributors at Miss Belmar Whale Watching were lucky enough to come across a Fin Whale yesterday, Sunday! Check out this video from Naturalist Trisha DeVoe to celebrate !

Although typically found further offshore in the New York Bight, it's not uncommon for this species to move closer to shore during fall, winter, and spring. Unlike the Humpback Whales we see here in the North Atlantic, Fin Whales are still an endangered species, so it is especially important to know where and when they are closer to shore.

🚨 TIME SENSITIVE: NOAA is looking at removing vessel speed limits that protect critically-endangered Right Whales *and other endangered species like Fin Whales* right here in NY/NJ waters from shipstrikes, a leading cause of death for these animals in our region and across the world. Submit a public comment TODAY in support of the Vessel Speed Rule and vessel strike protections via the link in our bio.

*Contributor vessel was operating safely and responsibly under Whale SENSE guidelines

05/29/2026

Whale Sighting from the Beach‼️🐋

Beach-goers spotted this lobtailing Humpback Whale a few days ago, just off of Long Beach! In this case, the whale is swimming upside down in the surf, throwing the lower half of its body into the air. Thanks to citizen scientist Josh Dolgin for sending us this video!

Our whale-watching contributors caught up with this whale the following day in the same area, where it was seen actively feeding in slightly deeper water near the beach. We do often document whales engaging in surface active behaviors in shallow water, especially when feeding. Lobtailing can sometimes be a method that allows the whales direct baitfish around in the water column, or to even help with digestion.

As we get deeper into the summer feeding season, these sightings can become more frequent all along Long Island and the Jersey Shore. Help us study these animals in our region: if you see whales or dolphins from shore, we want to hear about it!

➡️ Send us a photo, location, and any other info at gothamwhale.org/wanted or via [email protected]

Support our mission in local NY/NJ marine mammal research, education, and advocacy. Donate today! gothamwhale.org/donate

05/17/2026

We’re excited to announce that the first new whale of 2026 was added to the NYC Humpback Whale Catalog this weekend: meet NYC0493! 🐋🗽

Many of the whales that we see in our study area are juveniles, and NYC0493 is likely no exception. This is the first time they’ve been documented in our waters — a reminder that young whales continue to discover our coastal waters along NY/NJ as a place to forage, travel, and, in some cases, spend a stretch of the summer season.

As we get deeper into our 2026 season, we are nearing 500 total whales in our NYC Humpback Whale Catalog, a database of information on every whale documented in the Western New York Bight, including fluke and dorsal fin photos necessary for individual identification. This year, we want to YOU to help contribute to our Catalog, adding your sightings and maybe even adding some new whales.

➡️ To contribute, send us your whale and dolphin sightings — including photos, locations, and any other information. Submit at gothamwhale.org/wanted or via [email protected]

🙏 Support our cataloging efforts and our accompanying outreach and education by donating today. Our work is fully funded by public donations! gothamwhale.org/donate

📸 Thanks to Celia Ackerman with American Princess Cruises and both Kim Perry and Steve Abbondondelo with Long Island Whale & Seal Watching/NY Marine Rescue Center for their contributed sightings of NYC0493!

05/15/2026

TOMORROW: Join us at SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival! 🌊🐋

Discover NYC's coastal waters through awesome experiments, wildlife encounters, science shows and more at this FREE annual shell-ebration of our local waterways. A day full of hands-on activities and interactive experiences along the waterfront with Hudson River Park!

📆 Saturday, May 16
⏰ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍 Hudson River Park's Pier 84

05/15/2026

From Piping Plovers to Right Whales, these are some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Today, Endangered Species Day, we are celebrating the Endangered Species Act and the New Yorkers that it allows to thrive. 💙

Join us in protecting the Endangered Species Act! 💪

In honor of Endangered Species Day, contact your US Representative to tell them you support endangered species & their most important law, the Endangered Species Act.
📞 Call (202) 224-3121 or
🌐 Visit House.gov to find your rep

05/11/2026

JUST IN TIME FOR THE WHALE WATCHING SEASON… 🐋🗽

Gotham Whale is offering a new version of our skyline t-shirt! Show your love for humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins within view of the famous NYC skyline!! Our signature logo is proudly displayed on the sleeve. SIZES ARE LIMITED!

Get yours now for only $20 at our Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4485455661/gotham-whale-humpback-whale-and-dolphin

100% of proceeds go to Gotham Whale. Your purchase will help us continue our whale and dolphin research, conservation, and education programs!