Whale Population and Conservation By: Steven Gilio

Whale Population Trying to estimate whale populations is an inexact science. Limited reliability in the numbers.

pre-whaling population estimate current population estimate species/stock pre-whaling population estimate current population estimate blue whale 160,000 - 240,000 9,000 bowhead whale 52,000-60,000 8,200 Bryde's whale unknown 66,000-86,000 fin whale 300,000-650,000 123,000 gray whale (eastern Pacific stock) 15,000-20,000 21,000 gray whale (western Pacific stock) 1,500-10,000 100-200 gray whale (Atlantic stock) extinct humpback whale 150,000 25,000 Minke whale unknown, but tens of thousands were killed during whaling era 850,000 northern right whale no estimates, but tens of thousands were killed during whaling era 870-1,700 in the western Atlantic; very few in the Pacific. sei whale 100,000 55,000 southern right whale Sperm Whale no estimate, but 40,000 were killed between 1785 and 1939 2,400,000 1500 1,950,000

Many Species Have Not Rebounded Well Endangered whale species include: Blue Whale Bowhead Whale Fin Whale Humpback Whale Killer Whale Sperm Whale Blue Whale Sperm Whale

Right Whales Only an estimated 350 remain

On the Rebound? Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale has shown signs of recovery Western North Pacific population still endangered. Gray Whale

Historic Population Numbers in Question? Some recent genetic research claims that historic populations of some whales such as Humpbacks, Fins, and Minkes were much larger than originally thought. Minke Fin Whale

Techniques for Estimating Whale Populations Several techniques are employed in estimating the population of whale species. They Include:

Acoustic and Visual Techniques Using a combination of visual and acoustic techniques, researchers in Alaska are able to estimate the population of bowhead whales as they migrate north from their wintering area in the Bering Sea to their summer range in the Beaufort sea. Bowhead Whale

Mark and Recapture Photo-identification uses natural markings to identify individual animals over time. Humpback

THREATS Cetaceans are under threat from: Ship Collisions Toxic Contamination Entanglement in Fishing Gear Intensive oil and gas development in feeding grounds Effects of Climate Change and Habitat Degradation Whaling

Ship Collisions Fatal collisions with ships have become a leading threat to whale survival. Ships strikes are on the rise, due to a combination of increasing coastal ship traffic, smaller crew size, bigger vessels and faster speeds. Deafening underwater noise levels also prevent whales from hearing approaching propellers:

Toxic Contamination Chemical pollution is threatening whales with extinction in parts of Canada and the Pacific Ocean, and is poisoning their food source in the Antarctic. Beluga Whale Killer Whale

Entanglement Almost 60,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises are killed each year worldwide by entanglement with fishing nets. Cetacean Bycatch Action Network formed in 2002.

Oil and Gas Development Oil and gas development operations disturb the feeding grounds of some whales.

Climate Change Potential Effects: Altered migration routes. Decreased abundance and quality of prey. Abandonment of critical habitat. Increased susceptibility to infection and disease.

Habitat Degradation Potential Effects: Species Extinction. Physical injury leading to infection. Loss of critical breeding or feeding habitat. Prey depletion North Atlantic Right Whale

Whaling

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) Established on December 2nd, 1946 by the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling. Since the 1980’s, the IWC has become the primary mechanism for the protection of all species of whale. Currently 73 members, including the U.S. IWC Logo

Other Conservation Organizations   American Cetacean Society. Blue Dolphin Alliance. Breach Marine Protection. Cape Ann Whale Watch and Whale Conservation Institute. Center for Coastal Studies. Cetacean Society International. Earth Island Institute. Earthtrust. Europe Conservation. European Cetacean Society. Great Whales Foundation. Greenpeace International. High North Alliance. Institute of Cetacean Research. International Fund for Animal Welfare. International Marine Mammal Project. International Whaling Commission. International Wildlife Coalition. Marine Mammal Stranding Center. New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust. Ocean Alliance. The Oceania Project. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Silent Network. Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Center. Whale Center of New England. Whale Information Network. The Whale Rescue Team. The Wild Dolphin Project. The End