Humpback Whale’s population on the rise

Humpback Whale Saved From The Verge Of Extinction

Despite all of the seeming-chaos and unfortunate news in the world, it’s good to hear that a marine species is not only bouncing back but succeeding. Humpback whales in the South Atlantic have rebounded from the brink of extinction according to the research.

Whaling industry was the main reason for their near extinction

Populations of South Atlantic humpbacks diminished to just 450 whales total due to intense pressure from the whaling industry in the early 1900s. About 25,000 of the mammals hunted within a 12-year span, reports GoodNewsNetwork.

Commercial Whalings has been banned in mid 1980s

Scientists noticed that the whale populations were decreasing worldwide in 1960. In the mid-1980s, the International Whaling Commission issued an end on all commercial whalings. Further safeguards have since been approved to help the struggling populations.

Humpback whales have rebounded to 25,000

According to conservationists, Grant Adams, John Best, and André Punt of the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, the humpback whales have rebounded to 25,000. This estimate is similar to pre-whaling numbers. They were pleasantly surprised by the comeback because, according to previous studies, these species aren't doing well in this region.

Wildlife populations can recover from exploitation

Lead author Alex Zerbini, of the UW’s Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean, highlighted the significance of capturing population assessments without biases. He added that the findings are good news – an example of a species rebounding from near-extinction.

According to him, wildlife populations can recover from exploitation if proper management is applied. Let's continue hoping that these whales continue to increase their population. 

“Love the animals. God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled. Don't trouble it, don't harass them, don't deprive them of their happiness, don't work against God's intent.”

-    Fyodor Dostoevsky