Group 8: Blue Whales - Johnathan Nguyen

What are Blue Whales?

(wwf.panda.org)

Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are the largest animals in size on the planet growing up to 100 feet in length and weighing up to 200 tons. These fascinating creatures have hearts that can weigh as much as a car and a tongue that is even heavier than that. The offsprings of the blue whales are considered one of the largest mammals on the planet from their birth. In order to reach this size and weight, they diet on krills. They can consume as much as 4 tons of krill a day. They are also considered the loudest animals to live on Earth. The noises they emit can overpower the sounds of a jet engine. These whales wander throughout all of the oceans in the world and are most frequently seen traveling alone or in pairs. They moderately drift throughout the ocean at a decent pace of 20 miles per hour.

Blue whales have been dated as one of the animals that have lived on Earth the longest. However, their existence clearly shows that size does not matter. Their enormous size does not make them immune to danger. These large mammals often fall prey to killer whales, sharks, and also humans. Risks for the blue whales include collision with ships, ice entrapment, and chemical pollution.

(motherjones.com)

The blue whale was listed as Endangered in 1973 due to its population remaining dangerously low ever since they were commercially hunted in the 1800s and early 1900s. They were originally protected by International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling in 1966, which was replaced by the Endangered Species Act in 1973.

Recovery Plan

The first step of the recovery plan is to determine the “stock structure” of blue whales living in U.S. waters and throughout any other body of waters in the world.
Estimating the trends in the blue whale’s population
To identify the proper environment to ensure the protection and population growth for blue whales
Reducing human impact on the blue whales where it is possible such as reducing chemical pollution and entanglement of whales through fishing lines
Minimizing possible interactions between whales and large ships to reduce injury towards blue whales
Acquire accurate data on the population of blue whales when they are dead, stranded, or entangled
Coordinate efforts on every level to ensure international protection of blue whales
Establish criterias to decide whether or not to downlist whales

What can you do?

There are several ways that you can help protect these magnificent creatures, even though you may not feel as if you are not contributing that great of an effort. You may donate to groups such as World Wide Fund for Nature or “adopt a whale”, which will provide funds for the whale. Also, by simply spreading awareness that these avenues are accessible for all those who are caring and willing enough to help conserve these creatures for future generations to come.