Atlantic Marine Conservation Society “AMSEAS” has had a busy summer. During the month of July alone, the organization has responded to 17 marine animals, including three whales over the course of two days. By activating the large whale response plan in New York State, AMSEAS and partners have been able to quickly organize to respond to these animals as strandings have increased over the years.

Humpback whale at Smith Point County Park

The first humpback whale stranding occurred on Friday, July 17, 2020 when a deceased humpback whale floating approximately 6 miles offshore near Montauk was reported to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631.369.9829. AMSEAS worked with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Station Montauk to relocate the animal, as well as the Town of East Hampton, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). Due to the conditions in the ocean when the whale was relocated approximately 4.5 miles offshore, the team decided using a location tag to track the carcass’ movements would be the best option as towing would be a lengthy and difficult process. The data collected from the tag will help AMSEAS keep track of the whale and remobilize a response in the future if needed.

On Saturday, July 18, 2020, another humpback whale was reported to the NYS Stranding Hotline by a private vessel. Later in the early evening, the whale had washed ashore. The 27.5-foot female was in good body condition but being that it was already late in the day, a full necropsy examination was not able to be performed. Samples were able to be collected including fecal samples, indicating the animal had been eating recently. Trauma to the tissues examined around the animal's head were consistent with vessel strike. These samples will be sent to a pathologist to help determine a cause of death. The animal was buried on the beach late Saturday night in order to maintain safety of the public and open access to the beach. AMSEAS worked with Suffolk County Parks, Suffolk County Department of Public Works, Fire Island National Seashore, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries in this response.

A third whale had also been reported offshore near the Rockaways. The caller said the animal was not very active. Unfortunately, there are no photos nor has the whale been sighted again. The public is urged to immediately report sightings to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631.369.9829.

“By working together, we’re able to organize our response efforts quickly and efficiently,” shares Atlantic Marine Conservation Society chief scientist Rob DiGiovanni. “We strive to understand what impacts these whales so we can promote marine conservation through action. We want to thank all who have helped us in addressing these issues, including fellow conservation organizations, local municipalities, the state and federal government, volunteers, and the public. It is truly a collaborative effort.”

The other responses in July include one Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, one leatherback sea turtle, nine loggerhead sea turtles, one bottlenose dolphin, one short beaked dolphin, and one striped dolphin.

The public is always encouraged to practice social distancing from marine mammals and sea turtles, keeping a recommended distance of 150 feet away at all times. For deceased marine mammals like large whales, they still pose a public safety threat, especially when in the surf. Strandings should immediately be reported to the NYS Stranding Hotline at 631.369.9829.

News Coverage:
The East Hampton Star
The Independent
LongIsland.com
Newsday
Rutherford Daily Voice

AMSEAS Responds to Three Whales in Two Days