HUMPBACK HITS HUB HARBOR
Whale puts on show while feeding
A 30-foot humpback whale has been frequenting Boston Harbor for the past three days, feeding on fish and catching the eyes of nearby sailors.
The whale was spotted by New England Aquarium Whale Watch vessels at the mouth of the outer harbor and has mostly been seen feeding or napping, according to the aquarium.
Aquarium officials say the humpback whale is 18 to 20 months old and is hanging around near the city chasing menhaden, also known as pogies, which are one of its main food sources.
“We’ve got this amazing marine wildlife activity right at the doorstep of this metropolitan area,” said Tony LaCasse, the aquarium’s media relations director. “It’s pretty cool. It’s not something that happens in most other major cities.”
While it used to be a rare occurrence for humpback whales to visit Boston Harbor, LaCasse said that it has become a nearly annual event over the past few years due to conservation movements that have dramatically improved the harbor’s water quality.
LaCasse added that all the whales that have been spotted in the harbor over the past decade have been juveniles, as they don’t fully grasp the dangers that come with being near humans.
“Adults basically know better, but juveniles are a little more reckless. Just like when we’re kids,” he said.
While aquarium officials are not sure how long the whale will stay, they are urging boaters who see it to cut their engines and keep some distance when nearby, as propellers can seriously harm or even kill whales.
“Enjoy the whales being around you but don’t pursue them — you’ll have better luck seeing them anyway. And when you see a whale in close proximity, it’s something you never forget,” LaCasse said.