Official Site of The State of New Jersey
New Jersey is part of the Mid-Atlantic region, which stretches from New York to Virginia and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. The waters off New Jersey’s coast provide rich and productive habitats for a variety of marine mammals. Many of these animals, such as whales, dolphins, and seals, are seasonal visitors that migrate through the region, stopping by to feed, rest, or nurse their young. These nutrient-rich waters, shaped by ocean currents and estuarine outflows, serve as important waypoints in their long migratory journeys, making New Jersey a key area for Marine Mammals in the Mid-Atlantic .
All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), with some species also listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) . Species on the federal Endangered Species Act list are automatically included on the New Jersey endangered species list.
Seals (Pinnipeds)
Seals and Sea Lions on NOAA Fisheries
Seals are a seasonal presence along New Jersey’s coast, commonly seen from late fall through early spring. As amphibious mammals, seals are adapted to live both in water and on land, often hauling out onto beaches and rocks to rest during their time ashore. Maintaining a respectful distance of at least 150 feet is important, as seals rely on their time ashore to engage in natural behaviors such as regulating body temperature, socializing, reproducing, and molting.
While five species of seals have been observed in New Jersey, three are most commonly seen along the coast: Gray, Harbor, and Harp seals.
Whales and Dolphins (Cetaceans)
New Jersey’s waters are home to a diverse array of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, including both year-round residents and migratory species. These cetaceans play a vital role in the marine ecosystem and contribute significantly to the health of the ocean environment.
Whales
Several species of whales visit New Jersey’s waters, particularly during their migration seasons. Whales may be spotted alone or in groups, engaging in behaviors such as feeding, socializing, or reproducing. Humpback, Minke, and Fin whales can be seen near our beaches, while North Atlantic Right Whales, Sei whales, Blue whales, and toothed whales stay offshore.
Baleen Whales
Toothed Whales
Dolphins and Porpoises
Dolphins and Porpoises on NOAA Fisheries
Dolphins are among the most frequently spotted cetaceans in New Jersey’s coastal waters, especially during the warmer months when they migrate to the area to feed and give birth. They are highly social animals and can often be seen traveling in large groups, known as pods, sometimes numbering in the dozens.
Though commonly confused, porpoises are smaller and more elusive than dolphins. They can be seen in bays or in coastal waters and are more common during winter when the water is colder.
Marine Mammal Strandings in New Jersey
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) is a non-profit organization formed in 1978 for the purpose of rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. MMSC is the only Federally authorized first responder and rehabilitation hospital in the State of New Jersey for marine mammals. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center investigates all strandings in New Jersey, encompassing 1,800 miles of tidal coastline. The staff of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center is on call to respond to marine mammals and sea turtles in distress 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is part of the Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal Stranding Network under the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program . The MMHSRP was established in 1992 under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to coordinate emergency responses to sick, injured, distressed, or dead marine mammals. The program also oversees the National Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Network and Unusual Mortality Event Response .
Marine Mammal Viewing and Boating Guidelines
Conservation and Protection
New Jersey’s State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) presents a comprehensive, science-driven strategy to safeguard the state’s wildlife and natural habitats for future generations. It identifies endangered, threatened, special concern, and species of greatest conservation need across the state, including ten marine mammal species, and offers a detailed roadmap for their long-term protection and management.
Resources:
North Atlantic Right Whale Slow Zones: Endangered North Atlantic right whales migrate through the waters off New Jersey, where they are at high risk of being struck by vessels. Collisions can occur with boats of any size, including those under 65 feet. To help protect these whales, all vessels are strongly encouraged to slow to 10 knots or less in designated areas. Boaters and mariners are encouraged to sign up for alerts to stay informed about active slow zones and reduce the risk of collisions.
Give Seals Space! : Seals are often spotted along the New Jersey shoreline during the colder months. Give Seals Space! encourages beachgoers to share the shore responsibly by keeping a safe distance and avoiding any disturbance, helping ensure a safe and respectful environment for both wildlife and people.
Seals and Society : It is a collaborative project and traveling exhibit that explores the intertwined histories of seals and human communities along the Northeast Coast of North America. The project combines scientific research, Indigenous perspectives, and cultural narratives to offer a comprehensive understanding of seals’ ecological roles and their cultural significance to diverse communities.
See a Spout? Watch Out : The mission of the See A Spout? Watch Out! program is to prepare boaters and sailors in the Greater Atlantic (Maine through Virginia) to safely navigate through waters shared with protected marine species, especially large whales, for the safety and wellbeing of both boaters and marine species.
Whale Alert : is a free mobile app designed to help mariners, boaters, and the public reduce the risk of vessel collisions with whales. The app provides real-time information on: Active right whale slow zones, Seasonal management areas (SMAs), Dynamic management areas (DMAs) and Sightings of whales reported by trusted sources.
Whale Map : is an interactive mapping platform developed to monitor and protect the endangered North Atlantic right whale by providing near real-time data on whale sightings and acoustic detections.
Whale Sense : is a voluntary education and recognition program offered to commercial whale watching companies in the U.S. Atlantic and Alaska Regions. New Jersey currently has 6 whale watching companies enrolled in the program.
For any questions or further information, please feel free to reach out to Mackenzie Peacock via email at Mackenzie.Peacock@deptest.nj.gov.
