Humpback whales spotted within sight of New York City skyline

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Clear skies and calm seas allowed scientists to capture stunning photos of humpback whales swimming near the New York City skyline.

The photos were taken Aug. 2 just five miles from the Wildlife Conservation Society's New York Aquarium in Coney Island.

The WCS team was in the water identifying the individual whales, recording their behavior and collecting tissue samples for analysis.

Officials say that research will help establish important baselines about whales off the coast of New York and New Jersey.

Click here to learn more from WCS.

ALSO READ | Whale breach surprises NYC fishermen near Verrazano-Narrows Bridge




----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New York City news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.