NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) \u2013 Humpback whales were spotted just miles from New York City during a recent research expedition, according to scientists with the Wildlife Conservation Society.<\/p>\n
Researchers documented an extraordinary gathering of marine wildlife about 25 to 35 miles south of Long Island.<\/p>\n
\u00a0More Local News\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Scientists captured images of humpback whales bubble\u2011feeding, fin whales lunging through schools of fish, minke whales feeding near the surface, common dolphins and humpback mothers traveling with calves.<\/p>\n WCS researchers say the sightings highlight how the waters off New York and New Jersey have become an increasingly important habitat for whales.<\/p>\n Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, who leads WCS’s New York Bight Program, said whale watching along the East Coast now routinely happens within sight of New York City.<\/p>\n “When we began our research more than a decade ago, these waters weren’t widely recognized as important whale habitat,” Rosenbaum said. “Today, we regularly encounter multiple marine mammal species using this ecosystem, and days like this show how extraordinary \u2014 and important \u2014 the New York Bight has become.”<\/p>\n Rosenbaum said the sightings underscore the need to protect the New York Bight, including the Hudson Canyon, which scientists with the WCS are advocating to designate as a National Marine Sanctuary.<\/p>\n The Hudson Canyon, located about 100 miles southeast of New York City, is the largest submarine canyon along the U.S. Atlantic Coast, according to WCS.<\/p>\n Nicole Alarcon is an award-winning digital content producer. She has covered local news for the tri-state area since 2021. She joined PIX11 News in 2026. See more of her work here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n