BOSTON (WHDH) - Since Friday, as many as six humpback whales have been spotted swimming in the harbor less than a quarter of a mile from downtown Boston, according to Boston Harbor Cruises.
Naturalists believe the rare occurrence is due to feed balls that have moved to the inner harbor, prompting whales to come close to the shore.
Two of the humpbacks that jumped out of the water near Brewster Island were photographed by naturalists who were on board a whale watching boat.
“I was looking off the side of the boat, and I saw the back of the whale breach maybe twice and then right in front of the boat disappeared for 30-40 seconds and then came right in front of the boat,” said Ashley McGonagle, who captured the whale breaching while fishing for bait with her father Tuesday morning.
Officials are urging recreational boaters to go slow, keep at least 100-300 feet away from whales, and be vigilant on their VHF radio for any updates from the coastguard.
“(It’s a) very unusual circumstance, and what we are most worried about is the boat traffic,” said Boston Harbor Cruises Director of Research and Education Laura Howes. “Boats can harm a whale if you are not vigilant, so we want people to be aware that the whale is here, but give it space, slow down, communicate over the radio with other boats so people can give room.”
Boaters are also reminded to refrain from trying to touch, feed, or swim with the whales. They can be spotted by looking for a dark back with a pointy dorsal fin and their distinct blow.
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