Humpback whale migration and feeding patterns

Observations and research regarding humpback whale behavior have highlighted shifts in their presence and feeding patterns in different global regions.

In the United States, humpback whales are appearing with increasing frequency off the New York coast, particularly near the Hudson River and Long Island. This trend is attributed to successful conservation efforts and an abundance of food sources such as Atlantic menhaden and sand lance. While sightings are becoming a ‘spectacular’ new normal, the increasing maritime traffic in these waters presents potential safety risks to the whales.

In Australia, new research utilizing citizen science data from 2013 to 2024 suggests that humpback whales migrating along the east coast are feeding more frequently than previously understood. This finding challenges the ‘capital breeders’ theory, which posited that whales fasted during migration. Instead, researchers identified widespread feeding strategies during both northbound and southbound migrations, particularly in waters influenced by the East Australian Current and coastal upwelling.