Giant whale spotted feeding in Manasquan River draws crowd
MANASQUAN, NJ — A Humpback whale stunned onlookers Friday morning after making an unexpected detour from the Atlantic Ocean into the Manasquan River, where it was seen feeding on large schools of bait fish, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
The whale was observed in the stretch between the Manasquan Inlet and the railroad bridge, thrilling residents and boaters with rare close-range views. Witnesses reported seeing the whale actively feeding throughout the day, taking advantage of the dense bait fish currently crowding New Jersey’s coastal waters.
Staff from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, along with trained volunteers, monitored the animal’s movements throughout the day with support from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet/Shark River and NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement. The whale was last seen swimming back toward the inlet, returning to open waters.
Manasquan is one of several locations off the Jersey Shore currently experiencing increased whale activity as migrating Humpbacks track shifting schools of bait fish closer to shore. Local whale-watching tours also reported multiple sightings last week.
Officials are urging boaters to remain “whale aware” amid the rise in sightings. Mariners are advised to reduce speed to 7 knots when within 400 yards of a whale and maintain a minimum distance of 300 feet to prevent collisions. Anyone who observes a marine mammal or sea turtle in distress is asked to contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Center’s 24-hour hotline at 609-266-0538.
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Key Points
- A Humpback whale was spotted feeding in the Manasquan River near the inlet and railroad bridge
- Stranding Center staff, Coast Guard, and NOAA monitored the whale throughout the day
- Boaters are urged to follow safety guidelines as whale activity increases along the New Jersey coast
