Save the Whales: Unraveling the Mystery of Whale Deaths off the Coast

Whale mortality off the coast of New Jersey has become a matter of increasing concern among both experts and the public. These incidents, referred to as Unusual Mortality Event (UME), are not new and have occurred along the Atlantic Coast for decades. Let’s look at what could be causing these events, specifically the impact of increased vessel traffic, evolving whale behavior, and the changing marine environment.

The UME along the Jersey Shore is not a recent occurrence. 400 Harbor Seals died in the Chesapeake Bay in 1980. 70 bottlenose dolphins in 1987 are just two events that mark the Atlantic Coast's history. In late 2016 and early 2017, there was another UME of humpback whales. All of these occurred before offshore wind surveying or construction began. Since 2016, 62 whales have met their demise along the New Jersey coast, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

To understand the root causes of this crisis, we must examine the various factors at play. Offshore wind energy is not a novel concept, and substantial research has been dedicated to understanding its environmental impact. New Jersey's Governor Murphy has allocated $26 million for comprehensive research, emphasizing the need to act preemptively. One primary factor contributing to the UME is the significant increase in whale populations and vessels

In 1970, there were approximately 15,000 humpback whales, and today that number has soared to over 85,000. Simultaneously, global trade relies heavily on maritime transportation, with 80% of goods traversing the oceans. This has led to a 250% rise in ship traffic into the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) in less than two decades.

The increase in ship traffic not only disrupts the natural habitat of whales but also poses a direct threat to their survival. The noise generated by these vessels can have deadly consequences for marine life, particularly the acoustically sensitive whales.

The migratory patterns of humpback whales have shifted in response to changing oceanic conditions. Historically, humpbacks migrated from northern waters to the tropics for calving and mating. However, in recent decades, warmer water has brought whales, especially juveniles, to the Mid-Atlantic states during the winter months. This deviation from their traditional behavior indicates shifts in their migratory habits.

The warming oceans are a key driver behind these changes. Rising sea temperatures have led to alterations in the distribution of humpback whales' prey, including krill and Atlantic Menhaden. The waters off New York and New Jersey, known as the NY Bight, have also become cleaner, making them more attractive to marine life. Juvenile humpbacks, in particular, find Menhaden near the surface an easy source of food.

A study, published in 2021, looked at the hunting patterns of humpbacks in the nearshore waters of the NY Bight between 2018 and 2020 were predominantly juveniles engaged in surface feeding. Alarmingly, 93 percent of humpbacks struck by vessels in this region were juveniles. The prevalence of young whales near the surface and in close proximity to vessel traffic increases their vulnerability to fatal collisions.

Moreover, New Jersey authorities have observed shifts in predator-prey dynamics within the NY Bight. The robust Menhaden population has made these waters an attractive feeding ground for whales. As a result, the whales have adapted to this new food source, further increasing their presence in this region.

In conclusion, the unusual mortality event plaguing the whales off the coast of New Jersey is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Increased vessel traffic, a surge in the whale population, changing migration patterns, and alterations in prey availability are all interconnected elements in this ecological puzzle. To address this crisis, a comprehensive approach is necessary, one that considers not only the protection of marine life but also the sustainable management of maritime traffic.

Efforts must be made to mitigate the impact of vessels on whales, such as implementing speed restrictions and noise reduction measures. Additionally, ongoing research into the evolving behavior of humpback whales and their prey is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Urgent action is needed to preserve these magnificent creatures and ensure their continued existence in the waters off New Jersey's coast. Only through a concerted and science-driven effort can we hope to reverse this troubling trend and save the whales.