Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaeangliae

Problem:
There were around 10,000 Humpback Whales off eastern Australia in 1952.  In 1962, after 10 years of commercial whaling, that number had been reduced to a critically low 100 individuals.

Background Information:
When Humpback whales were commercially harvested between 1952 and 1962, Australia made about 1 million pounds (current value around $32M) annually in sales of oil and other whale by-products.  Today in Australia around $70M is earned annually through whale-watching and associated tourist business.

Research:
Independent research by Dr Robert and Patricia Paterson demonstrated that after hunting ceased in 1962, a rise in Humpback numbers could be detected as early as 1978.  By 1992 the annual increase in Humpback numbers was estimated at a very healthy 10–12%.  Today the east coast population is estimated at around 4,000.

Solution:
Continue the world-wide ban on the capture of Humpback Whales.  Limit the harvesting of krill (small shrimp-like crustaceans that drift in the ocean) in Antarctic waters.

The next species is the Blue Whale