AMSEAS Manages Response for Humpback Whale in Queens Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Atlantic Marine Conservation Society “AMSEAS” received a report of a deceased 28-foot humpback whale at Jacob Riis Park in Queens on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The animal was reported by National Gateway Recreation Area, National Park Service. As each stranding event is unique, so is the current state of the world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The health and safety of our team and those around us remains our first priority. We communicated with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, NOAA Fisheries, US Coast Guard, and Gateway National Recreation Area, National Park Service to monitor the animal and determine response possibilities.

Gateway National Recreation Area, National Park Service photo.

Under the policies set forth by New York State Governor Cuomo, AMSEAS continued to practice social distancing. Along with many other nonprofit organizations, our in-person workforce was reduced by 100% under New York State Executive Order 202.8. As with every stranding, the public should keep a safe distance from these animals. While in the surf, they pose a threat to public safety. We also urged the public to continue following the Governor’s “New York State on PAUSE” policies and practice social distancing.

On Wednesday, April 1, we continued to work with Gateway National Recreation Area, National Park Service and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to coordinate disposal efforts with the New York City Sanitation Department. In following the governor’s social distancing guidelines, AMSEAS did not conduct an examination. Photos were taken on behalf of Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and NOAA Fisheries for review. The whale was buried on the beach on Thursday, April 2.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there is currently no evidence that animals can spread COVID-19 to other animals, including people. More information can be found from the American Veterinary Medical Association here.

This is AMSEAS’ first large whale response of the year. Humpback whale populations have increased in recent years to a point where it is no longer listed as an endangered species. As the weather becomes warmer and New York enters the season where these animals are in this area, the public is reminded to keep an eye out for these animals while on the water and walking the beaches. Learn about responsible wildlife viewing and safe boating from NOAA Fisheries here.

The public is encouraged to practice social distancing and report marine mammal and sea turtle strandings to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631.369.9829. Sightings of marine wildlife are also helpful and can be shared with AMSEAS by emailing sightings@amseas.org.

Media Coverage:
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