On August 22, 2026, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation reported that an oceanic manta ray was seen feeding off Jones Beach, New York. The sighting marks a notable instance of the large pelagic species entering state waters during the summer.
The manta ray, identified as an oceanic (Manta birostris) individual, was observed actively foraging near the shoreline. The department’s field team recorded the animal’s presence while conducting routine marine surveys along the Atlantic coast. The ray’s feeding behavior was noted as it skimmed the surface, capturing plankton and small fish.
Oceanic manta rays normally inhabit offshore tropical, subtropical and temperate seas, often ranging thousands of miles from shore. Seasonal warm water events can extend their range northward, and summer temperatures in the New York Bight have been conducive to such movements. The department indicated that the current warm summer conditions likely contributed to the ray’s appearance near Jones Beach.
Sightings of oceanic manta rays in New York waters are relatively uncommon but have been documented in previous summer months when sea surface temperatures rise above typical levels. These occurrences provide researchers with opportunities to study the species’ migratory patterns and to assess the health of local marine ecosystems.
The New York DEC emphasized that the presence of a feeding manta ray does not pose a threat to beachgoers or swimmers. The species is known for its gentle nature and is not considered dangerous to humans. Officials encouraged continued monitoring of coastal waters to track any further instances of large pelagic wildlife entering the area.
The observation underscores how seasonal temperature shifts can temporarily alter the distribution of marine species, bringing organisms usually found far offshore into nearshore environments along Long Island’s south shore.