Dolphin Sighting in NYC River Bodes Well for Water Quality

Recent sightings of two common dolphins in New York City’s East River have generated excitement and are viewed by experts as a positive indicator of improving water quality. The pair, believed to be a mother and her calf, were first spotted jumping around by people driving on the Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive on Feb. 14. Multiple sightings continued through the weekend after.

After receiving initial reports, Chris St. Lawrence, a researcher and spokesperson for Gotham Whale, a local marine tracking and research organization, went to the area and was able to see the dolphins, confirming the sightings. “We take these things with a grain of salt, especially when there aren’t any photos, so I went out there and I was able to see this pair of dolphins and they spent the entire day right there,” he said. Gotham Whale was also tracking their movements.

While common short-beaked dolphins –– which the pair were identified as –– are frequently seen in the New York region year-round, they are typically found much further offshore. Spotting them in Manhattan’s waterways is rare.

Common shot-beaked dolphins are distinguishable from other dolphin types by their yellowish hourglass pattern on their sides, which contrasts with the uniform gray of bottlenose dolphins. Their playful behavior, including leaping out of the water, makes these yellow markings easily observable.

Multiple experts confirmed that the sighting was made possible by improving water quality around New York City, including the East River. Lower levels of pollution have allowed more aquatic species to thrive, including varieties of fish that dolphins hunt. Maxine Montello, executive director of New York Marine Rescue Center, said, “There’s definitely some fish resources in there … The two were definitely eating smaller schooling fish in that area.”

St. Lawrence suggested that such sightings could become more common in the years to come. “The waterways around our city are cleaner now than they’ve been in a century, and we’re seeing a lot of life coming back to our city shores,” he said.