When a 33-ton humpback whale breaches in the waters of New Jersey’s Little Egg Inlet, that saying something. Not only about the health of an estuary that can host such a magnificent creature, but also about its capacity to support fishing, boating, and other recreational industries that contribute $44+ billion to the New Jersey economy every year.

The spring arrival of humpbacks on the Jersey coast tells us that the conservation efforts of our Jacques Cousteau Reserve and their partners are working. It’s also tells them that it’s time to get ready for the field work and education programs that bring more than 2,000 students and 7,000 visitors to the Reserve each year.

Thank you, humpback whales! Your presence in the waters of New Jersey inspires us to work harder to meet the challenges of 2020.