The world’s whales, dolphins and porpoises are an incredible and diverse group of cetaceans that do so much to balance the health and ecology of the marine world. Even after decades of protective measures, many whale species are in trouble and in dire need of our help; these incredible species are still fighting for survival. Some cetaceans are critically endangered such species of blue whale, gray whale and right whale, and many other cetaceans are endangered and vulnerable. Some species, such as the vaquita or the baiji are dwindling to double and single digit populations and are staring down the barrel of extinction.
19 species and subspecies are Critically Endangered, 17 are Endangered and 17 are Vulnerable or Near Threatened.
Unknown: there are 87 cetacean species (of 90) and 38 subspecies or populations of whales
Oceans
Poached for bones, killed as bycatch, exploitative over-hunting
The threats facing these gorgeous marine mammals have shifted through the decades; from demand for whale products driving exploitative over-hunting to threats from bycatch in poorly regulated commercial fishing, to pollution and climate change. Often multiple threats acting simultaneously are shrinking populations and disrupt their underwater range, feeding and mating patterns.
It’s hard to imagine our seas without the gentle calls of the blue whale or the perky chatter of a pod of dolphins leaping through the waves, but that’s a serious possibility if we do not work to protect these complex and mysterious creatures. Beyond their historic role in the marine environment, whales, dolphins and porpoises play an increasingly vital role in photographic tourism, and their presence alerts us to pollution or fish decline. We need strong legislation that will protect these incredible, warm-blooded mammals and keep our oceans stable. We need to fight to save our whales, dolphins and porpoises for future generations.