Drone Captures Stunning 1 Whale Feeding Off New York Coast
A recent drone video has captured a breathtaking view of a whale feeding on a large school of fish off the coast of New York. This fascinating footage, recorded by Michael Busch, provides a rare glimpse into the behavior of marine giants and the challenges they face.
The Stunning Drone Footage
Discovery and Capture
Michael Busch, a Long Island resident, was flying his drone over the ocean when he encountered an extraordinary scene. He observed schools of Atlantic menhaden, commonly known as bunker fish, swimming in large groups. These fish attracted the attention of a humpback whale, which was feeding on them.
Busch’s drone not only captured the whale’s feeding behavior but also recorded an ocean sunfish in the same area. This type of footage is rare and offers valuable insights into the interactions between marine species.
The Humpback Whale’s Feeding Behavior
Humpback whales are known for their great care of strategies. They use a method called bubble net feeding, where they create a bubble net around a school of fish to trap them. The whale then lunges through the bubble net with its mouth open to consume the trapped fish. This behavior was evident in the video captured by Busch.
Whale Capsizes Fishing Boat Off New Hampshire Coast
In a separate but related event, a humpback whale was involved in an unusual incident off the coast of New Hampshire. The whale capsized a fishing boat, causing significant attention and discussion among marine biologists and the public.
The Incident
On a Tuesday, a fishing boat about a mile off the coast of New Hampshire capsized when a humpback whale emerged from the water and collided with it. The dramatic video of the incident shows the boat tilting upwards and eventually overturning after the whale submerged.
The two men aboard the boat were thrown overboard, but fortunately, neither was seriously injured. One of them described the experience as a “miracle” given the circumstances.
The Whale’s Intentions
The initial reaction from some viewers was to interpret the whale’s actions as an attack. However, marine biologists provide a different perspective.
Andrew Trites, director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at the University of British Columbia, reviewed the video and concluded that the whale was likely feeding. He pointed out that the whale’s open mouth and the airborne fish were clear indicators of feeding behavior.
Melanie Smith, a marine biologist and master’s candidate at the University of New Hampshire, agreed with Trites. She explained that the whale was probably lunging for fish and may have accidentally collided with the boat. This behavior is a common feeding strategy for humpback whales.
Understanding Whale Behavior
It’s essential to distinguish between different behaviors of humpback whales:
- Lunging: This is a feeding behavior where the whale swims through a school of fish or krill with its mouth open. The video showed signs of this behavior, including the whale’s open mouth and the presence of airborne fish.
- Breaching: In contrast to lunging, breaching involves the whale leaping out of the water, often with its mouth closed. The purpose of breaching is not well understood but may be related to communication or other social interactions.
The Impact of Boat Collisions on Whales
The collision between the whale and the fishing boat highlights a significant issue: vessel collisions with whales. These incidents can be dangerous for both whales and boats. While larger ships are more commonly involved in such accidents, smaller vessels can also be at risk.
Potential Whale Injuries
Following the collision, there were reports of whale skin and fat on the boat’s engine cover. This suggests that the whale may have sustained injuries, though the exact nature of these injuries is unknown.
Trites indicated that the whale was likely injured but could not confirm the specifics, such as cuts, bruises, or jaw fractures. The presence of whale remains on the boat indicates the impact was substantial.
The Importance of Distance
Marine biologists emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe distance from whales. Whales are large and powerful animals; even accidental collisions can cause significant damage.
Trites noted that this incident serves as a reminder for boaters to be cautious around whales. By keeping a respectful distance, boaters can help prevent such accidents and ensure the safety of both marine life and them.
Conclusion
The recent drone footage and the whale collision incident provide valuable insights into the lives of humpback whales and the challenges they face in their natural habitat. The stunning video captured by Michael Busch offers a rare glimpse into whale feeding behavior, while the collision off New Hampshire highlights the importance of safe boating practices around these magnificent creatures.
Understanding and respecting the behaviors and needs of whales can help protect them and ensure that they continue to thrive in their ocean environments. As we continue to explore and document marine life, it is crucial to approach these interactions with care and consideration for the well-being of all involved.
Certainly! Here’s how you can reference the sources for the article:
References
- Drone Captures Whale Feeding:
- Busch, M. (2024). Drone Captures Mesmerizing View of Whale Feeding on School of Fish Off New York Coast. [Storyful]. Retrieved from Storyful.
- Humpback Whale Capsizes Boat:
- WCVB. (2024). Humpback Whale Capsizes Fishing Boat Off New Hampshire Coast. [WCVB]. Retrieved from WCVB.
- Trites, A. (2024). Analysis of Humpback Whale Behavior. Email correspondence with Business Insider. Retrieved from Business Insider.
- Smith, M. (2024). Marine Biologist’s View on Humpback Whale Feeding Behavior. Interview with [University of New Hampshire]. Retrieved from University of New Hampshire.
Table of Contents
