Offshore trip report part 1

We saw beaked whales

Beaked whales are a fascinating and elusive group of marine mammals that occasionally visit the waters off the coast of New Jersey. These enigmatic creatures belong to the family Ziphiidae and are characterized by their distinctively long and slender beaks, which give them their name. While several species of beaked whales can be found worldwide, encountering them off the coast of New Jersey is a rare and exciting event for marine enthusiasts and researchers alike.

One of the most commonly sighted beaked whale species in the New Jersey area is the Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris). These whales are known for their distinctive appearance, with a small dorsal fin set far back on their bodies and a beak that can appear to curl upward in some individuals. Blainville’s beaked whales are often spotted in the deeper waters of the continental shelf, where they forage on squid and other deep-sea prey.

Another beaked whale species occasionally encountered in New Jersey waters is the Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris). These whales are known for their impressive diving abilities, with some individuals reaching depths of over 3,000 meters during their hunts for prey. Cuvier’s beaked whales are known to be deep-sea specialists, and their sightings off the coast of New Jersey are relatively rare due to their preference for deeper waters.

Spotting beaked whales in New Jersey waters can be a thrilling experience for researchers and whale watchers. However, their elusive nature makes them challenging to study. Beaked whales are known for their long and extended dives, which can last for over an hour, making it difficult for observers to track their movements. Their deep-sea foraging habits also make them challenging to study using traditional methods.

To learn more about these mysterious creatures, researchers often rely on acoustic monitoring techniques. Beaked whales are known for their unique vocalizations, and by recording and analyzing these sounds, scientists can gain insights into their behavior, distribution, and population dynamics.

Conservation efforts in New Jersey waters aim to protect and preserve the habitats of beaked whales and other marine species. These efforts include regulations to reduce ship strikes, noise pollution, and other potential threats to these animals.

In conclusion, beaked whales are a captivating and poorly understood group of marine mammals that occasionally grace the waters off the coast of New Jersey. Their elusive nature, deep-sea foraging habits, and unique vocalizations make them a subject of great interest to researchers and marine enthusiasts alike. By continuing to study and protect these enigmatic creatures, we can contribute to the conservation of New Jersey’s diverse marine ecosystem.