Humpback Whales Bubble Net Feeding Off Virginia

Our 16 November 2023 HDR-led survey had 5 humpback whales engaged in bubble net feeding behavior on what's believed to be small Atlantic silverside fish. The bubbles are blown by the whales in a circular pattern that forms a barrier and concentrates the fish into a smaller and smaller center before the whales come from below to feed.
Research is led by HDR, funded by United States Fleet Forces Command, and managed by NAVFAC Atlantic. All research activities conducted under NMFS scientific research permit 21482 issued to Dan Engelhaupt.