World Whale Day (February 16) is almost here and that means it’s time to celebrate Whale Week, which encompasses all cetaceans, large and small, from the blue whale to the harbor porpoise.
Cetaceans – the scientific term for whales, dolphins and porpoises -- are vital to the balance of marine ecosystems and serve as key indicators for ocean health. NOAA Fisheries has a responsibility to help recover their populations in the wild, which were historically reduced in the 19th and 20th centuries from whaling, and have continued to be affected in modern times by pollution, entanglements in fishing gear or marine debris, and other human-caused impacts on the ocean. To do this we must address major threats to their survival by reducing entanglements, vessel strikes, ocean noise, pollution, and irresponsible marine wildlife viewing practices.
While some U.S. whale populations are thriving—such as humpback whales and gray whales, thanks to regulations enacted under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act—most still face challenges on the road to recovery. But the new year brings new hope. This winter we were excited to learn of the birth of new calves in two of our most vulnerable whale populations.
Continue reading at NOAA.
Image via NOAA.