These videos captured off the coast of Eastern Long Island, New York are proof that conservation works.
In 2012, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission established the first-ever coastwide catch limit for Atlantic Menhaden, a keystone species whose population had dwindled by about 90% due to overfishing. Often referred to as the most important fish in the sea, Menhaden, a small 6-10” omnivore, play a vital role in maintaining the marine ecosystem. They feed on zooplankton and phytoplankton, effectively filtering and cleaning the water as they swim. They also serve as prey for numerous larger species.
Within six years of enacting this catch limit, Menhaden populations returned to stable levels. The positive impact was unequivocal as water quality improved, and whales, sharks, dolphins, and other animals returned closer to the shore than in any living memory.
Humpback Whale Breaching.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Breaching is believed to be a form of communication or socialization; to alert other humpbacks of their location, improve visual sightline, claim territory, or impress potential mates.
Humpback Whale Lunge Feeding.
Amagansett, NY. 2022.
Humpback whales in New York are most often observed lunge feeding on Menhaden, consuming up to 1.5 tons of fish daily. Often within 100 feet of the shore.
Pair of Humpbacks Pec-Slapping.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Similar to breaching, it is believed that Humpbacks use pec-slapping as a method of communication; to alert other humpbacks of their location, claim territory, or impress potential mates.
Humpback Whale Breaching.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Breaching is believed to be a form of communication or socialization; to alert other humpbacks of their location, improve visual sightline, claim territory, or impress potential mates.
Blitz on Menhaden fish.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Menhaden school during a blitz - when predators chase and corral Menhaden fish into a confined space, they consume all the oxygen in the water and go unconscious, resulting in a boil of fish.
Spinner Sharks in Menhaden School.
Montauk, NY. 2022.
Spinner sharks are the most frequently observed shark in Long Island waters. They are often seen swimming through or preying on Menhaden.
Humpback Pair Bubble Feeding.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Humpbacks release bubbles from their blowholes, working in unison to corral sand eels into a more dense school, rising together and gulping everything in their path. It is a learned behavior, passed on from mothers to their calves.
Striped Bass Spring Migration.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Striped bass migrate into New York in late spring, consuming small fish, squid, and crabs. They can live up to 30 years, and grow to nearly 5 feet in length.
Spinner Sharks… Spinning
East Hampton, NY. 2022.
Spinner sharks reach lengths of 5-7 feet, and weigh roughly 120 to 200lbs. They’re named after their highly acrobatic feeding methods, where they launch themselves upward, chomping their jaws, as they move through schools of fish on the water’s surface.
This phenomena is only observed in NY for a short period of time in the fall.
Bluefin Tuna.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Bluefin tuna are a large and incredibly fast species sought after by fishermen for their high quality meat. They can swim up to 43 mph, and grow to roughly 14 feet long at 2,000 lbs. They are often found feeding on Menhaden.
Spinner Shark Frenzy.
Montauk, NY. 2022.
A rare and incredible sight - nearly 100 spinner sharks chase Menhaden fish onto the beach.
Smooth Hammerhead Shark with Pilot Fish.
Amagansett, NY. 2023.
Smooth hammerhead sharks can grow to 16.5 feet long and weigh 880 lbs. This shark was found swimming nearly 1/4 mile offshore.