Maine’s coastal waters provide a rich marine environment, serving as a significant habitat for whales. The Gulf of Maine offers abundant food sources, attracting these marine mammals. Whales contribute to the ocean’s ecological balance and offer observation opportunities. Protecting them and their environment is important for Maine’s marine ecosystems.
Common Whale Species of Maine
Humpback whales are common in Maine’s waters, known for their distinctive long white pectoral flippers, up to one-third their body length. These whales typically measure 46 to 62 feet and weigh 30 to 40 tons. They exhibit acrobatic behaviors like breaching (jumping out of the water) and tail-slapping. They also engage in bubble-net feeding, a cooperative hunting technique where they trap fish with bubbles. Their unique black and white patterns on the underside of their tail flukes allow researchers to identify individuals.
Fin whales, the second-largest whale species globally, are common visitors. They are sleek and grayish, reaching 80 feet and weighing around 80 tons. A distinguishing feature is their asymmetrical coloration, with a white lower right head and dark left side. Fin whales are fast swimmers and typically do not lift their tails when diving, unlike humpbacks. They feed on small schooling fish and krill.
Minke whales, the smallest baleen whales in North American waters, are identified by their size, up to 30-35 feet long, and a sickle-shaped dorsal fin. They often have a white band on their dark flippers. Minke whales typically surface snout-first, with a small, bushy blow. They rarely show their tail flukes when diving.
The North Atlantic right whale is critically endangered, with fewer than 400 individuals. These stocky, mostly black whales lack a dorsal fin and possess unique rough white patches (callosities) on their heads. They typically lift their black, triangular tails high out of the water when diving. While rare, sightings in Maine’s waters occur, particularly during migration.
Seasonal Sightings and Prime Viewing Areas
Whale watching in Maine is seasonal, with the prime viewing period from June through August. The broader season spans from late spring (April or May) until October. During these months, whales migrate to the nutrient-rich Gulf of Maine to feed on prey such as sand eels, copepods, plankton, and small fish.
Several coastal locations serve as popular departure points for whale watching. Bar Harbor, near Acadia National Park, is a prominent area for tours into the Gulf of Maine. Other notable areas include Boothbay Harbor, known for its coastal charm and proximity to feeding grounds, and Portland, offering access to resident whale populations. Kennebunkport, Eastport, Lubec, and Millbridge also offer sightings. Offshore areas like Schoodic Ridge, Murray Hole, Muscongus Bay, West Cod Ledge, and Bigelow Bight are known for significant whale activity.
Whale Watching Guidelines
Observing whales in their natural habitat requires ethical guidelines for animal well-being and observer safety. Maintaining a respectful distance is important; vessels should remain at least 100 yards away from most large whales. For North Atlantic right whales, federal law mandates 500 yards. Approaching whales head-on, feeding them, or attempting to swim with them are prohibited and illegal actions that disturb their natural behaviors.
Choosing a reputable whale watching tour operator is recommended, as they follow established guidelines and employ knowledgeable naturalists. Many participate in programs like Whale SENSE, promoting responsible viewing and conservation education. Such tours prioritize passive observation, ensuring safe encounters that do not interfere with feeding, resting, or migratory patterns. If whales approach too closely, engines should be put in neutral until they move to a safe distance.
Conservation Efforts and Status
Whales in Maine’s waters face several threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, especially for right whales. Ship collisions also pose a danger. Ocean noise, marine debris, and climate change impacts, affecting food availability, further challenge whale populations. For instance, warming Gulf of Maine waters have led to a decline in copepod populations, a primary food source for right whales.
Conservation efforts in Maine involve a multi-faceted approach. Federal regulations, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, provide legal protections. Initiatives include research and monitoring (aerial, acoustic, and boat-based surveys) to understand whale distribution and behavior. Efforts also focus on developing whale-safe fishing gear, such as weak links in ropes and sinking groundlines, to reduce entanglement risks. These measures, alongside public education and responsible tourism, aim to safeguard Maine’s whale populations.