Humpback whales, which have been elusive in the waters of Long Island Sound, are increasingly making its comeback in the said area. The latest sightings, which are evidenced by photographs and videos, were something totally unexpected but definitely delightful.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, fishing trips near Huntington suddenly turned into an unexpected whale acrobat show. Boaters sailing through the Long Island Sound had a grand time as three humpback whales jumped, swished and played in the water for everyone to behold. One of the lookers was Captain James Schneider from the James Joseph Fishing. According to him, all of the three whales swam beneath his boat and that he was able to see two adults and a baby in the fishing monitor. 

Since 1993, whales have not been noted in the west Long Island Sound. This is the reason why the latest observations came as a surprise to many. In 2009, however, a long-finned pilot whale was spotted swimming off Stonington, which is in the east area of Long Island Sound.

In May 2015, three belugas were seen off Fairfield, Connecticut, initiating the series of sightings that are still being noted until now. Later that month, a minke whale was also spotted off Norwalk.

On Sept. 19, Chris Curran from Darien, Connecticut was also able to observe a humpback whale off Norwalk and Darien when he was on a trip with his son and son's friend. According to him, the whale looked like it was still young and measured approximately 10 to 15 feet or 120 to 180 inches in length. The whale was said to have jumped in and out of the water for about nine times. "I was having heart palpitations I was so excited," Curran recalled.

John Schnierlein, a researcher from the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, said that the reason for the latest whale sightings may probably be due to the increased amounts of baitfish in the location, brought about by set fishing limits and minimal rain.

Another possible factor that is increasing whale and sea creatures observations is the implementation of the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which safeguards the animals and its habitat.

Boaters are subjected to different protocols when fishing in areas where whales may be present. As per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), if boaters are within two miles from the location of the animal, they should be on a lookout and ensure that they have open lines of contact with other boaters to prevent accidents. If they are within half a mile, boaters should decrease their speed and try their best to sail away from the whale.

"The protections afforded to humpbacks under these acts has contributed to their recovery," said Jennifer Goebel from the Fisheries Services of NOAA.

Photo: Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith | Flickr