### A Rare Encounter with a Right Whale off Asbury Park, NJ
In the vast, churning waters of the Atlantic, where marine life teems beneath the waves, spotting a North Atlantic right whale remains a moment of awe and a poignant reminder of nature’s fragility. For the Jersey Shore Whale Watch, an entity that has spent six years escorting eager eyes to the wonders of the ocean, the sighting of one of these majestic creatures in November 2020, just 1.5 miles off the beaches of Asbury Park, NJ, was nothing short of miraculous. This encounter marked the only time a right whale has graced our tours, making it a rare and invaluable experience for all who witnessed it.
Our photos from Wednesday November 4th 2020
Right whales, named by whalers who deemed them the “right” whales to hunt due to their slow speeds and tendency to float after being killed, are distinguishable by several unique features. Their flippers, broad and paddle-shaped, along with their wide tail flukes, propel them through the ocean with grace despite their massive size. The whales’ heads account for about one-third of their total body length, dominated by large, white, bumpy growths known as callosities. These callosities, akin to calluses, are unique to each whale, allowing scientists to identify individuals much like fingerprints do in humans.
The historical plight of the right whale is a narrative of survival against harrowing odds. Centuries of relentless whaling decimated their populations to mere fractions of their original numbers. Today, the survival of the North Atlantic right whale hangs in a precarious balance. Climate change has altered their migratory patterns, driving them into areas bustling with human activity, where conservation measures lag behind the urgent need for protection. These serene giants are particularly vulnerable to the threats of vessel strikes and entanglements in fishing gear, dangers that lurk unseen in their new migratory corridors.
Perhaps most heartrending is the impact of stress on their reproduction. Female North Atlantic right whales, once capable of birthing every three to four years, now only do so every four to ten years. This dramatic decrease underscores the pressing need for immediate and effective conservation efforts to ensure their survival.
Our encounter off the coast of Asbury Park not only offered us a fleeting glimpse into the life of one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures but also served as a stark reminder of our responsibility towards these gentle giants. The North Atlantic right whale’s story is one of resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of nature in the face of human adversity. It underscores the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat.
As stewards of the marine environment, we are called upon to advocate for the protection of the North Atlantic right whale. By supporting and implementing robust conservation measures, we can help ensure that future generations will also have the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Let the rare sighting of a right whale off the Jersey Shore not just be a memory, but a call to action.
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