The Barnegat Bay Partnership was saddened to see the interaction between a vessel and a Minke Whale in the bay. As unfortunate as the situation was, we would like to take the opportunity to share some information about Minke whales, responsible boating, and mindful interactions with wildlife.
About Minke Whales
Minke whales are a protected species, but not threatened or endangered. They are the smallest of the baleen whales and have several subspecies: the dwarf Minke whale (South Atlantic, South Pacific, Indian Ocean), the North Pacific Minke whale and the North Atlantic Minke whale. They are typically seen individually, although can sometimes be spotted in groups of 2-3, but rarely in a larger pod.
They have a relatively global range, with mature adults spending more of their time in polar regions and younger whales and females being seen in more coastal, temperate waters. They reach maturity between 3-8 years old (at about a size of 23 feet) and have an estimated lifespan of around 50 years.
While Minke whales are rare visitors of the Barnegat Bay, they are known to approach boats in shallow water. This is not an invitation for an interaction, and it is your responsibility to not pursue, torment, or disrupt any behavioral patterns of the animal.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972
The Marine Mammal Protection Act was set into place to provide comprehensive protection for all marine mammals. The goal is to help protected species populations from becoming threatened, endangered, or extinct.
This law states that:
1. Vessels must remain at least 100 yards from marine mammals, keeping motors off or on neutral.
2. No vessel shall “observe” an individual or group of marine mammals for more than 30 minutes at a time.
3. Do not harass the marine mammal.
a) Level 1 harassment is any act of pursuit, torment or annoyance that has the potential to injure the animal in the wild.
b) Level 2 harassment is disturbing (not but harming) a mammal by disrupting behavioral patterns including feeding, sheltering, or nursing.
If prosecuted, a vessel operator can face charges including loss of vessel, penalties of up to $36,498, one year in prison (imagine telling fellow prisoners why you’re locked up…) and an additional $25,000 in vessel forfeiture fees.
NJ”s Marine Mammal Stranding Center
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center responded to the Minke Whale strike in the Barnegat Bay last weekend. This center is the only federally authorized rescue, rehabilitation, and release facility for marine mammals and authorized first responders in New Jersey. Their team responded to the incident, initiated the necropsy, and will continue to provide updates and information as it becomes available.
In the meantime, this is a good reminder for boaters to check in on rules and regulations, and to practice responsible captaining through our coastal areas. You never know what you may find, and being a good captain means being ready for anything.
