Humpback Whales off the Endangered Species List

The Comeback

According to the Guardian, at the peak of the commercial whaling industry, just 1,500 humpback whales were left alive. However, this week, Australian environment minister Sussan Ley announced the removal of the species from the endangered wildlife list.

Ley told the independent news channel that removing the humpback from the endangered species list is based on scientific research and delivers a clear signal regarding what can be accomplished using coordinated action. Ley added that it is a message of hope for the well-being of many species.

The Guardian reports that more than 30,000 humpback whales were hunted and killed in Australia and New Zealand prior to 1963 when whaling operations quit processing humpback whales. The animals acquired international protection in 1965 as international numbers dramatically decreased. Australia passed an anti-whaling plan in 1979, and the Guardian reports there are currently as many as 40,000 individuals alive in the wild.

 The Challenge Ahead

Regardless of progress in Australia, some conservationists expressed worry that whale populations will decrease once more as climate change worsens. According to ABC News, Vanessa Pirotta, a marine biologist from Macquarie University, claimed the de-listing does not indicate there are no risk factors. Fishing boats, Net entanglements, pollution, and various human influences are all still risks to the worldwide whale populations.

Pirotta explained to ABC that the situation is bittersweet because you have a recuperating whale population, which is a fantastic point. However, we must be carefully optimistic and stick to overseeing this population in the future.

It is constantly unnerving to think about possible future impacts of climate change. However, at least for now, the humpback whale is thriving in the ocean.

Originally published by: futurism.com