Morning fog clings to the surface of the Atlantic as Carl LoBue steers a small research vessel into open water. A pod of dolphins arc through the waves, and the misty spout of a humpback whale erupts like a signal flare. 

For LoBue, marine scientist and New York oceans director at The Nature Conservancy, these moments are more than breathtaking—they’re signs of a recovery decades in the making. Thanks to stronger protections for forage fish like Atlantic menhaden supported by baymen, fishermen, scientists and wildlife advocates, whales are returning to New York’s coastal waters in numbers not seen for generations.

But with recovery comes risk. The same waters now teem with boaters, fishing gear and shipping traffic—creating dangerous conditions for whales and people alike. Vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements are leading causes of whale deaths, threatening species from humpbacks to the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.

To help boaters navigate this new reality, The Nature Conservancy worked with state agencies, educators and other marine experts to create Eyes on the Water: Boating with Whales, a free online course that simulates a journey through New York’s iconic waterways. Participants learn to spot whales, recognize their behavior, avoid collisions and report sightings.

“It’s not just about avoiding collisions,” LoBue explains. “It’s about building a community of people who understand the ocean and want to protect it. You’re not just steering a boat—you’re entering someone else’s home. Every ripple, every sound, every movement matters.”

LoBue and his team designed the course for easy integration into New York’s boating safety programs. It’s part of The Nature Conservancy’s broader strategy to protect marine life and coastal communities—from restoring shellfish reefs, eelgrass meadows and salt marshes, to tracking seabirds and reducing nitrogen pollution.

Back on the water, LoBue’s radio crackles to life. A whale-watching boat is looking for confirmed sightings. “We’ve got a mom humpback with a calf in 50 feet of water off the roundhouse,” he replies.

LoBue stows his gear and turns toward shore. “They’re here,” he says. “Now we just have to keep it that way.”

To learn more, visit nature.org/boatingwithwhales