Humpback Whale Population Now Well Above Pre-Whaling Levels In Australia

Humpback Whale Population Now Well Above Pre-Whaling Levels In Australia

Humpback Whale Population Now Well Above Pre-Whaling Levels In Australia A humpback whale in Australian waters – credit, supplied by Jenn Leayr The recovery of the eastern Australian humpback whale population has been described as nothing short of a “miracle,” such that the majestic beasts number more now than they did before commercial whaling. When homeowners today along the coasts of Australia file noise complaints, it’s likely to be from motor boats or late-night parties, but there was actually a time when it was over whale-song. That’s how thick humpback whales swam off the coast of Hobart during the 18th century before commercial whaling had made its way to Australia. Today, estimations suggest the population is 60% higher even than back then—when dinner table conversation was being interrupted by the songs of whales drifting in from the sea-facing windows; talk about first-world problems. In all seriousness, the decline of the eastern Australian humpback was as precipitous as anywher…