New York Bight is a key spring habitat for endangered sei whales, research reveals

Sei whales in the Northwest Atlantic travel along the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic coasts. They head south in winter and north in summer. A new study shows that these endangered whales use the New York Bight as a key spring habitat.

This area is very busy with ship traffic. The research highlights its importance for one of the fastest and most elusive baleen whales.

Whale Activity Patterns

Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) led the study. They used acoustic monitoring data from 2017 to 2020. This data was collected with WHOI-developed technology.

The researchers found strong seasonal and daily patterns in sei whale presence and vocal activity. The findings suggest that the waters off New York and New Jersey might be an important travel route. It could also be a feeding area in early spring.

The study was published in Scientific Reports. Maria Papadopoulos, the lead author from WCS and Columbia University, explained the findings.

"This is the first detailed analysis of daily and seasonal acoustic patterns for sei whales in the New York Bight," Papadopoulos said.

She added that 95% of sei whale vocalizations were heard between March and May. Activity peaked in late spring when temperatures were between 41 and 48 degrees Fahrenheit. This shows a specific time when whales are most likely present, possibly because of food availability.

About Sei Whales

Sei whales are listed as endangered under U.S. and international laws. They are one of the least-studied large whales in the North Atlantic. Adult sei whales are about 47 feet long and weigh 44,000 pounds. This is similar to four African elephants.

They are the third largest whale species, after blue and fin whales. They make loud, low-frequency sounds that drop in pitch. These sounds are usually made in pairs or triplets.

The study found that sei whales vocalize more during daylight hours. This pattern suggests they might call less at night when they are thought to be feeding.

This daily rhythm helps us understand when sei whales might be more sensitive to human activities. For example, high noise levels during the day, when sei whales are more vocal, could make communication difficult for them.

Helping Conservation

Papadopoulos noted that these results suggest sei whales might not just pass through the New York Bight. They may also use these waters more seasonally in certain years. She said that tracking sei whale presence will help guide policies to protect this endangered species.

The New York Bight is home to the busiest port complex in the United States. The study provides important information for managing human activities. This can help reduce risks to whales by showing when and how sei whales use the area.

The authors mentioned that the same acoustic systems are already detecting sei whales in near-real time. These systems are deployed by WHOI to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, co-author and Executive Director of the WCS New York Bight Program, highlighted the importance of acoustic monitoring.

"Acoustic monitoring gives us an amazing opportunity 24/7/365 to learn about whales and dolphins in the waters off New York and New Jersey," Rosenbaum said.

He added that this is especially important for species like sei whales, which are rarely seen but are clearly present. Understanding when and where whales are found is key for effective conservation. This study provides that knowledge for sei whales and a chance to act on it.

WCS has researched the New York Bight for over 10 years. Their work helps inform policy recommendations to protect sei whales and other species like fin, North Atlantic right, humpback, and minke whales.

Deep Dive & References

Seasonal and diel acoustic activity of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the New York Bight - Scientific Reports, 2026