Unfortunately, many majestic whale species around the world are currently under threat of extinction. The sad truth is that these endangered whale species are often most threatened by man-made problems; including hunting, whaling, pollution from oil and gas operations, ocean noise and other forms of habitat degradation accelerated by human influence.

As proud supporters of Whale & Dolphin Conservation, we felt it was important to share some of the most shocking statistics about these beautiful animals – highlighting both their awesome majesty and their scarily low population estimates.

Endangered Whale Species
While all whale species are under threat from human activity to greater or lesser extents, many are considered endangered or critically endangered, including the following:
Western Grey Whale (Eschrichtius robustus)
Estimated Population: less than 100

Max. Length: 14m – 15m

Distribution: Western North Pacific

Threats: Chemical pollution, prey depletion, oil and gas operations and fishing gear.

Fact: After a lifetime of migrations, a grey whale can swim the equivalent distance to the moon and back!

North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis)
Estimated Population: approx. 500

Max. Length: 14m – 18m

Distribution: North Atlantic

Threats: Vessel collisions, fishing gear, climate change and ocean noise.

Fact: Once a preferred target for whalers, the Latin name of this majestic animal means “good (or true) whale of the ice”.

North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica)
Estimated Population: a few hundred

Max. Length: 15m – 17m

Distribution: North Pacific

Threats: Unsustainable population size, oil operations, fishing gear and vessel collisions.

Fact: There may be as few as 30 left in the northeast sub-population, closest to the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.

Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus)
Estimated Population: approx 84,000

Max. Length: 23m – 26m

Distribution: Global

Threats: Habitat degradation, climate change, vessel collisions, fishing gear and continued whaling and hunting.

Fact: Despite being the second largest mammal in the world, fin whales can swim much faster than many boats!

Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)
Estimated Population: 10,000 – 25,000

Max. Length: 30m – 33m

Distribution: Global

Threats: Habitat degradation, climate change, fishing gear, vessel strikes and pollution from chemicals and oil

Fact: Thankfully, after a united conservation campaign around the world, the Blue Whale population is increasing once again!

We provide truly tailor-made luxury adventure holidays. Our whale watching specialists are always on hand to discuss your dream vacation package. Call us on 0800 566 8901.

References:
http://www.whales.org
http://www.iucnredlist.org
http://www.noaa.gov
http://www.whalewatchreport.ne

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