In 1966, humpback whales were placed under international protection due to severely low numbers. By the 1990s, their population was growing at an annual rate of 7%. Today, some 10,000 humpbacks navigate the North Pacific, and research shows that about 1000 humpback calves are born in Hawaii's warm waters each year. While environmentalists are happy to see the population rebound, some are concerned about the increasing number of boats running into the animals. In fact, between 1975 and 2005, there were 33 reported strikes involving whales and boats in the Hawaiian islands. Researchers, however, counter that this has less to do with negligent boaters and more to do with thriving whale populations. As NOAA marine biologist David Schofield so colorfully puts it, "It's kind of like driving in a school zone." Although whale-watchers take precautions to avoid the animals, when one of them surfaces directly beneath your boat, what are you to do?
Moreover, scientists claim that blue whale colonies off the coast of Chile appear to be lingering in the area instead of migrating to the Antarctic to feed, as they usually do. On a recent research expedition, 65 blue whales and 51 humpback whales were sighted, confirming "the existence of one of the most important whale habitats in Chile and the planet."
Sounds like good news all around. Except for the whales surfacing beneath spinning props.
[Via Newsvine and Cephalopodcast]
