NEW YORK (WABC) — Experts marked a whale-sized milestone off of New York’s coast — the Staten Island-based nonprofit Gotham Whale documented the 500th humpback spotted in local waters.<\/p>\n
The watchers identify the whales by their tail flukes, which are as unique as human fingerprints.<\/p>\n
In the last decade or so, Gotham Whale has spotted up to 100 whales a year.<\/p>\n
Before 2018, it only spotted 10 to 30 a year.<\/p>\n
Experts say the warming ocean temperatures in New England and Canada push humpbacks and other species further south to our area.<\/p>\n
“Every whale documented is another giant step toward understanding and protecting the remarkable wildlife living just beyond New York City’s skyline,” said Gotham Whale Board Vice-President, Paul “PJ” Sieswerda.<\/p>\n
The milestone is significant for the region and highlights the importance of whales in the ecosystem.<\/p>\n
The New York City Humpback Whale Catalog (NYCHWC) was founded in 2012 when Gotham Whale began collecting whale sightings reported by local boaters and members of the public.<\/p>\n
———-<\/p>\n
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered<\/a> <\/p>\n * More New York City news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n