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Whale SENSE

@whale.sense

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A voluntary education and recognition program for commercial whale watching companies in the U.S. Atlantic and Alaska Regions.

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🚨 ATTENTION BOATERS: NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE SEEN OFF JERSEY SHORE ON SATURDAY! 🐋

There have been lots of whales sightings across NY/NJ in recent weeks, but they are NOT ALL HUMPBACK WHALES! Critically-endangered North Atlantic Right Whales also make rare appearances in local waters.

North Atlantic Right Whale EG #5192, previously seen in September off Montauk, NY by our friends at @cresli_inc, was just seen on Saturday off Barnegat Inlet, NJ! This whale is badly injured and very likely still entangled in fishing gear.

Remember: DO NOT APPROACH Right Whales within 1500 feet (federal law), but DO REPORT all sightings of potential Right Whales to the NOAA Right Whale hotline (866 755-6622) and/or to local stranding organizations @marinemammalstrandingcenternj (NJ) and @amseasorg (NY). Sightings must be reported as soon as possible, to allow for any potential rescue efforts for this whale.

➡️ Boaters in the entire NY/NJ area should remain cautious and vigilant. If you want to learn how to identify Right Whales from other whale species and how to safely boat around them, take this free online whale-safe boating course: boatingwithwhales.com (link in bio)

📸 1 Credit: Dr. Artie Kopelman, CRESLI
📸 2 and 3 Credit: Joseph Mitchell

#whale #rightwhale #newjersey #njboating taken in Barnegat Inlet by @whale.sense

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Whale watching can be a life-changing experience; however, it should never endanger or alter the animal's behavior. Prioritizing the safety of the whales and passengers should always be more important than the "perfect" shot.

Commercial whale watching tours that follow @WhaleSENSE practices will have little to no impact on the animals they are viewing, meaning everything you see is what the whale wants to be doing. After all, altering a marine mammal’s natural behavior is illegal in US waters! by @whale.sense

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2 months ago

A group of local Veterans from @nechv1989 enjoyed an incredible day of humpback whale breaching, flipper slapping, and calf play! The group and other passengers were able to #GetIntoYourSanctuary with @whale.sense participant, @citycruises. An incredible way to celebrate Independence Day and enjoy whales at a safe distance.

🎥: Passengers and Veterans enjoying breaching humpback whales responsibily! Credit: Jaydi Swanson/BHCC and Laura Howes/NOAA

#whalesense
#participanthighlight
#responsibletourism #stellwagenbanknationalmarinesanctuary taken in NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary by @whale.sense

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3 months ago

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4 months ago

Congratulations to Christina Straway for being the runner up for the Scenic View Category in the Whale SENSE photo contest! Great photo of the Cape May Lighthouse aboard Cape May Whale Watcher! by @whale.sense

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5 months ago

Congratulations to Meriah Escarcega for winning the Scenic View Category of the Whale SENSE Photo contest! Photo was taken aboard Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center. by @whale.sense

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6 months ago

We'd like to congratulate the runner up in the Non Marine Life Category for our 2026 Photo Contest: Joey Dean! by @whale.sense

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6 months ago

We'd like to congratulate our runner up for the category of Surface Active Marine Mammal Anya Cervantes! by @whale.sense

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6 months ago

Congrats to our runner up, Kristin Rayfield, in the Whale SENSE Photo Contest for the category of Seals, Sea Lions, and Otters! by @whale.sense

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7 months ago

We want to congratulate our first 2026 Whale SENSE Photo Contest Winner Delaney Murphy for the category of Seals, Sea Lions, and Otters! What an awesome shot! 🦭 by @whale.sense

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7 months ago

We’re hosting our 9th Annual Whale SENSE Photo Contest! 📷

This photo contest is for ANY whale watching enthusiast to share exciting moments they’ve captured!

Rules:
1. Photo must be taken by passengers or crew members aboard a boat that participates in the Whale SENSE program
2. Photos must be submitted by the Google Form which will be at the link in our bio when the contest opens to submissions!

Categories:
🐋 Surface Active Marine Mammals (breaching, feeding, other active behaviors)
🐬 Tail Shot
🦈 Non Marine Mammal
🦭 Seals, sea lions, & sea otters
🦑 Mobile Phone Capture

Winning photos will be featured on our Facebook Page, Instagram, and website!

Voting will take place on our Facebook page! You can learn more about the competition at the link in our bio.
#WhaleSENSE #2025WhaleSENSEPhotoContest #PhotoContest #MarineMammals #Atlantic #Alaska #WhaleSENSEOperators #WhaleWatching #WildlifePhotography #Wildlife #ResponsibleWildlifeViewing #ResponsibleWhaleWatching by @whale.sense

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8 months ago

Happy Valentine's Day from Whale SENSE!!! 💕🐋🐬 by @whale.sense

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8 months ago