Whale population recovery

1. Is the whale population recovering?
2. Are blue whale populations recovering?
3. Are whales making a comeback?
4. How can whales regain their number?

Is the whale population recovering?

Down from an estimated 348 last year, it's the smallest annual decline in six years for one of the world's most endangered large whale populations, but it's still a loss of more than 110 whales in just five years.

Are blue whale populations recovering?

Commercial whaling was banned in the 1980s. We may now be seeing this resurgence of blue whales because it takes a lot of time for the animals to reproduce—their population growth is around 7 percent per annum.

Are whales making a comeback?

Fin whales, once considered endangered, have staged a stunning comeback. Researchers revealed massive feeding frenzies among fin whales near Elephant Island, Antarctica, with about 150 whales seen more than once — lunging and diving with mouths wide open — gulping down krill. The fin whales are back.

How can whales regain their number?

The ban of commercial whaling in 1986 led to a strong recovery and now this population is thought to be around 93% of its original size. By taking away the threat of hunting, and having safe spaces to survive and thrive, humpback numbers in many areas have recovered.