Proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary
About 100 miles southeast of New York City lies the underwater Grand Canyon of the East Coast. Carved by ancient forces of erosion, Hudson Canyon stretches up to eight miles wide, over two miles deep, and hundreds of miles long. Deep-sea upwelling and a rich supply of nutrients makes Hudson Canyon a productive haven for biodiversity right here in the offshore reaches of the New York Bight. Host to everything from fish to whales, this habitat is essential for the wellbeing of humans and wildlife alike.
NOAA began the process of designating Hudson Canyon as a National Marine Sanctuary in 2022, bringing in community voices to advocate for this valuable ecosystem. Designation of Hudson Canyon as a National Marine Sanctuary ensures protections for nature and coastal communities across the New York Bight and would preclude the development of fossil fuel and mineral exploitation in the offshore sanctuary area. This is about increasing funding for research, ensuring a future for sustainable fisheries, and protecting coastal culture across the region.
The primary stated goals for the proposed Hudson Canyon National Marine Sanctuary:
1. Support conservation of the area's marine wildlife, habitats, and maritime cultural resources
2. Work closely with Indigenous tribes and nations to identify and raise awareness of Indigenous connections to the area
3. Highlight and promote sustainable uses of the area
4. Expand ocean science and monitoring in, and education and awareness of the area
5. Provide a platform for collaborative and partnerships that support effective and inclusive management of the area.
As of January 2026, this designation process is ongoing, and Gotham Whale continues raise awareness, increase community engagement, and contribute to a growing understanding of Hudson Canyon – especially its marine mammal inhabitants.
Education and Outreach: 2025 Hudson Canyon ROV Cruise
Gotham Whale was a member of the Education and Outreach Working Group for NOAA's 2025 ROV Expedition to the bottom of Hudson Canyon. In a collaborative effort between NOAA experts from across the region and country, scientific findings like a rare coral garden were shared with online and in-person audiences through a series of educational livestreams.
Gotham Whale remains engaged with the Sanctuary Advisory Council as the designation process continues, collaborating to bring Hudson Canyon to our coastal communities.
Wildlife of Hudson Canyon
Sowerby's Beaked Whale at Hudson Canyon, by Tim Healy.
Hudson Canyon hosts incredible biodiversity, including many species rarely seen closer to shore. One such species, Sowerby's Beaked Whales, are rare and elusive cetaceans that prefer cold, deep waters across the North Atlantic – but are occasionally seen by whale-watchers on the waters of the canyon. In summer, the influence of the Gulf Stream also brings warm water species from further south, like Atlantic Spotted Dolphins. Not marine mammals, but it is possible to see Whale Sharks here, too!
In 2024, Gotham Whale documented a large aggregation of North Atlantic Right Whales that went on to spend the entire summer feeding at and around Hudson Canyon. Over several months, nearly a quarter of the species was seen offshore of Long Island. The use of this area, including Hudson Canyon, is still poorly understood, making it all the more important to protect it.
Seabirds of Hudson Canyon
Fea's Petrel at Hudson Canyon, by Chris St. Lawrence.
A wide number of bird species can also be found at Hudson Canyon, depending on the time of year. Our whale-watching partner American Princess Cruises offers bird-watching trips to the canyon and surrounding offshore waters where they have found many record birds, including the first Fea's Petrel in New Jersey waters and the first Bermuda Petrel, one of the rarest sea-birds in the world, in New York waters. From Atlantic Puffins to Sargasso Shearwaters, the list of possible birds is extensive and exciting – just another testament to the magic of Hudson Canyon.
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