Photo: Jay Willett/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Spring in New England is traditionally the time of year when whale watching season gets underway.
This year, the season is starting a little later than usual for a good reason: one of the ocean's most endangered creatures has been feeding in the area, so great care is being taken not to disturb the North Atlantic Right Whales.
Scientists say, with fewer than 400 of them left on earth, whale watch cruises are held off until experts are sure the rare animals have moved on from the area.
Linnea Mayfield Kaplan, Lead Naturalist with Boston Harbor City Cruises, said spring is the start of a great time of year to show people, up close, the beauty and power of Mother Nature. "Really, what I hope people walk away with is that connection to the natural world," she said.
Kaplan said that even though they believe the Right Whales have mostly moved from local waters, they are still giving them more time and space. "Because we still have a couple of slow zones in place through May 17th, we have decided to push our start date until May 18th. That's just to give them extra time to clear the area so that we can ensure we are keeping them extra safe."
New England Aquarium naturalists are on each of the City Cruises that leave Long Wharf to help whale watchers understand what they are seeing.
Among the types of whales that can be seen on the approximately four-hour trip out to Stellwagen Bank are humpbacks, minkes, and finbacks.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.