The Pacific blue whale population in Southern California is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, marking a conservation success story. Decades ago, blue whales were on the brink of extinction due to hunting, but since the banning of whaling in the 1970s, their population has rebounded by 97%. Various measures have been implemented to protect the whales, such as restrictions on fishing gear to prevent entanglements and adjustments to shipping lanes to reduce ship strikes. These efforts have been effective in decreasing mortalities and improving the overall health of the local whale population. While the blue whale remains endangered, the progress made is cause for celebration and highlights the importance of collective action and cooperation in conservation efforts.
Photo Credit: Bart