email
print
Blue whale
From CopperWiki
There are many ways to help save the blue whale, but one of the best ways are simply contributing to programs you trust are trying to save the blue whale. When I say "contributing" it doesn't necessarily mean money. One of the best ways to contribute is to contribute your time and work as a volunteer at these programs. Also, if you don't have the time, you can still help by staying away from commercial fishing companies that have been known to use drift nets. Also, you can help by buying "Dolphin safe fish." Dolphin safe means that the companies don't use drift nets.
Contents |
[edit] Habitat
Whales may be found all over the world except polar regions. They often migrate to either tropical or temperate waters during the winter so they can mate and give birth to calves. They can feed almost everywhere in polar, temperate, and even tropical waters.
Countries Where the Blue Whale Is Currently Found: 2004:
Argentina, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, Ecuador, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Namibia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay
[edit] Why are they endangered
During the early 1900's, Blue whales comprised about 90% of the whaling industry. In 1931, more than 30,000 of these majestic creatures were killed. Since then, the blue whale population declined and was on the brink of extinction. Thankfully, the International Whaling Commission outlawed the whaling of blue whales in 1966. Pre-whaling population was 350,000. Whaling killed 99% of all blue whales. If there wasn't any ban created, blue whales would have died out.
Packs of orcas have been known to attack and kill young blue whales. Obviously, the blue whales size discourages predators from attacking full grown adults.
[edit] What has been done so far?
In 1966, The International Whaling Committee outlawed the Whaling of all blue whales of all blue whales, giving them world-wide protection. Many people, however, still whale illegally. Because of this, their recovery has been slow. The coast guard has tried to catch these illegal whalers, but many have become increasingly sneaky about concealing their harpoons and harpoon guns. Also, many commercial fishing boats still use drift nets which can snag young whales. Also, it is near to impossible to breed Blue Whales in captivity because of their size. We can only hope that they breed on their own and that we can stop those who try to kill them.
[edit] What more can be done?
There are many ways to help save the blue whale, but one of the best ways are simply contributing to programs you trust are trying to save the blue whale. When I say "contributing" it doesn't necessarily mean money. One of the best ways to contribute is to contribute your time and work as a volunteer at these programs. Also, if you don't have the time, you can still help by staying away from commercial fishing companies that have been known to use drift nets. Also, you can help by buying "Dolphin safe fish." Dolphin safe means that the companies don't use drift nets.
