The waters of the Big Apple are welcoming humpback whales. Over 300 were sighted last year
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himA whale sighting in New York Bay a few years ago would have been almost unimaginable. Now, however, the waters of the Big Apple are welcoming humpback whales.
"The Hudson River is much cleaner than it used to be, and therefore is bringing out a lot more nutrients," said Paul Sieswerda, president of the Gotham Whale group.
The Clean Water Act and the Mammal Protection Act have likely helped to increase plankton levels in the area from time to time. Over the years, the food chain has been rebuilt and humpback whales are now enjoying its effects.
“Whales come here to eat. New York is famous for being a great place to find good food, ”adds Sieswerda.
In 2011, only three whales had been sighted in these parts. Last year there were already more than 300.
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Of course, life in the Big Apple isn't always peaceful. It is still the busiest port in the Atlantic Ocean, and the greatest danger to whales is ships.
“And so the whales are actually playing in the traffic. The channels through which the large ships enter the harbor are the same place where the whales feed, ”Sieswerda said.
Source: Nature, AP
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