Blue Whale Conservation
The blue whale is the largest animal known to have ever existed, reaching a maximum confirmed length of 29.9 meters and weighing up to 173 tonnes. Once hunted almost to extinction, blue whales were protected when the International Whaling Commission banned all hunting in 1967.
Historical Whaling Impact
According to the International Whaling Commission catch database, 382,595 blue whales were caught between 1868 and 1978. Today, the global population is estimated at 10,000–25,000, representing only 3–11% of the estimated 1911 population.
Modern Threats
- Ship strikes: Off the U.S. West Coast, nine blue whales were killed and one seriously injured by vessels between 2007–2010.
- Fishing gear entanglement: Rare but documented; entangled whales can be weakened, making them more vulnerable to other dangers.
- Anthropogenic underwater noise: Noise pollution changes the acoustic environment, masking communication and disrupting behavior. Effects include altered swimming and diving, interrupted foraging, habitat displacement, hearing loss, and social stress.
Call to Action
Awareness and action are critical to the survival of these gentle giants. By protecting their habitats and minimizing human threats, we help ensure a future for blue whales. “Protect Our Ocean, Protect Our Future.”
