Are humpback whales endangered?

Humpback whales were almost entirely wiped out by commercial whaling in the 19th and early 20th century, according to the Endangered Species Coalition, and were one of the first species to be federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1970.

Because of this rare and exciting victory in conservation efforts, most humpbacks were removed from the endangered species list in 2016, according to NPR.

While a number of humpback populations in areas of the world are still listed as threatened, this upward tick shows incredible promise for ongoing conservation efforts.

To understand how this progress has been made, we’ll need to look at various conservation efforts from around the world.

‍Welcoming more whales to the U.S. (We’re looking at you, western Washington!)

Just a mere 25 years ago, the Salish Sea  (between Northern Washington and British Columbia near Vancouver) saw zero humpback whales migrating through their waters, but 2021 brought a baby boom like no other.  According to the Pacific Whale Watch Association, researchers off the coasts of Washington and British Columbia counted 21 calves, a record number for the region and double the calves spotted in 2020.

Scientists are unsure exactly why this number is so high, but can attribute the phenomenon to the simple fact that more adult whales protected by law lead to an increase in calves.

Researchers also speculate an abundance of food for the whales in the past couple of years.

Federal protections do indeed help in conservation efforts. Studies show that species with protected habitats are twice as likely to be recovering as those without it. And governmental efforts to prevent ocean noise pollution have been successful in the last decade. In June of 2021, the Biden administration announced it would be protecting 116,098 square nautical miles of the Pacific Ocean, a critical area for three populations of endangered humpbacks.

This will safeguard migrating whales from dangers like entanglement in fishing gear, ship strikes, and oil spills.

‍Humpback populations grow in Atlantic regions

Aside from population growth in the Pacific Ocean, the South Atlantic coast is also seeing an increase in humpback populations.

After a tragic decline to just 450 whales, 2019 studies show that humpback whale numbers have rebounded to 25,000 – which is a figure that brings the population close to pre-whaling numbers.

In addition, a new review of marine wildlife in British waters from the Wildlife Trusts shows that the once-rarely seen Humpbacks have bounced back, with more than 75 sightings around Britain since 2019.

Matt Slater, marine conservation officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trusts, said: “Only a few years ago, it would have been extremely rare to see a humpback whale around the UK. But it looks like they are chasing big shoals of sardines that are now present around our shores. It is magnificent to see these creatures up close.”

‍Canada’s whale conservation efforts

As mentioned, the Salish Sea has hosted the baby shower for the ages, as a record number of humpback calves have debuted in the waters.

Although this is worrisome, highly skilled professionals work with the International Whaling Commission’s Global Whale Entanglement Response Network to free entangled whales.

Gear modifications, ropeless technologies, and ridding the ocean of abandoned gear are all approaches to reduce these entanglements, but in the meantime, experts are doing the dangerous and necessary work to free the whales and care for any injuries they sustain. And remember; at up to 50 tons, this sure is a team effort.

Folks can call the BC Marine Mammal hotline at 1-800-465-4336 to report an entangled whale and do their part to alert experts.

In addition to monitoring entanglements, Canadian officials have implemented stronger whale watching regulations, according to National Geographic.

Along with threats like rising ocean temperatures and food supply shortages, increased water traffic poses a threat to whales.

Many tourism companies are working to toe the line between experience and regulation by keeping a healthy distance and increasing educational and awareness opportunities in their offerings.

Marine professionals, researchers, and lawmakers alike are doing the hard and admirable work to support conservation efforts.

If we do our part, abide by federal protections, and responsibly consider whale watching on our Cape Cod and Canadian vacations, we can create an environment for this population of majestic mammals to thrive, too.

‍Header image courtesy of U.S. National Archives