A spectacle close to home WHALE WATCHING
ago, New Jersey lawmakers adjusted regulations on fishing Atlantic Menhaden, the primary food source for humpback whales. As prey fish shift locations, the whales follow, bringing more humpbacks closer to shore. The result? Some of the best whale- watching opportunities on the East Coast. THE JERSEY SHORE WHALE WATCHING EXPERIENCE For those eager to witness these gentle giants up close, Jersey Shore Whale Watch is the go-to experience. Departing from Belmar, their trips aboard the Jersey Girl offer an unforgettable adventure right in our backyard. WHEN TO GO Whale-watching season runs from April through December, with peak sightings in the spring and fall. And here’s the exciting part, just this January, three whales were spotted off the Spring Lake and Belmar boardwalks! WHALE SIGHTINGS GUARANTEED Jersey Shore Whale Watch is so confident in the abundance of marine life that they guarantee sightings. Many trips report multiple whales in a single outing, often alongside pods of playful dolphins. A COMFORTABLE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY RIDE The Jersey Girl is designed for all ages, featuring a two-level layout with indoor and outdoor seating, a heated cabin for cooler days, and even a snack bar. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Jersey Shore Whale Watch even hosts a photo contest, inviting passengers to submit their best shots.
BY BILL MCKIM JR.
Photo by Michael Scotto
THE JERSEY SHORE is known for its sandy beaches, charming boardwalks, and lively summer days, and recently our coastline has also become a prime spot for whale watching. From spring through winter, these majestic marine mammals make their way through our waters, offering breathtaking encounters just off the coast of Spring Lake. WHY ARE WHALES SHOWING UP ALONG THE SHORE? Humpback whales have been making more frequent appearances along the Jersey Shore, and scientists point to a few key reasons why: A FEAST IN OUR WATERS Whales go where the food is, and lucky for us, our waters are teeming with Atlantic menhaden, also called bunker fish, a favorite meal for these giants. It’s common to see whales using “bubble net feeding” to devour them. Bubble net feeding means that
whales, typically humpbacks, create a circular net of bubbles by blowing air from the blowholes to herd schools of fish together, essentially trapping them before swimming up through it with their mouths open to eat the fish in large quantities. This cooperative hunting strategy demonstrates the complex social behavior among the whales. A NATURAL MIGRATION ROUTE Humpbacks travel thousands of miles every year, moving between northern feeding grounds and southern breeding waters. The Jersey Shore happens to be a perfect stop along their journey, especially for younger whales who are less driven by reproductive needs and aren’t in a rush to migrate. SHIFTING OCEAN CONDITIONS Rising ocean temperatures have shifted the distribution of prey, causing some whales to explore new areas. About a decade
MORE THAN JUST A TRIP- A LESSON IN CONSERVATION
Jersey Shore Whale Watch works with Gotham Whale, a nonprofit dedicated to studying and protecting the whales that frequent the New York and New Jersey area. Each trip is an opportunity to learn about these creatures, their role in the ecosystem, and how we can help protect them from threats like ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. RECORD-BREAKING WHALE ACTIVITY The past year saw record-breaking whale activity along our coast, and all signs point to another exciting season ahead. The thrill of spotting a whale in its natural habitat is something you’ll never forget, and the fact that it’s happening right here, in the waters off Spring Lake, makes it even more special. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a whale breach against the backdrop of our local beaches, now is your chance. Book your trip at Jersey Shore Whale Watch or call 732-592-6400 to reserve your spot.
Thank you to Bill McKim for sharing his photographs
20 March 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 21
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