* Whaling: For centuries, humpback whales were hunted relentlessly for their blubber, baleen plates, and meat. This practice drastically reduced their population, bringing them close to extinction in some areas.
* Habitat Destruction: Human activities like pollution, coastal development, and oil spills impact humpback whale habitat, disrupting their feeding, breeding, and migration patterns.
* Entanglement: Humpback whales often get entangled in fishing gear, leading to injury or death.
* Vessel Strikes: Large ships can collide with whales, causing serious injury or death.
* Climate Change: Climate change is altering ocean currents and temperatures, which can affect the availability of food and migration routes for humpback whales.
While the International Whaling Commission banned commercial whaling in 1986, the humpback whale population has been slowly recovering. However, the threats to their survival still exist, and they remain classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, meaning they are no longer critically endangered but still need protection.
Here are some important points to remember:
* Population Recovery: While their numbers are increasing, humpback whales are still vulnerable to the threats mentioned above.
* Continued Protection: Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their continued recovery and long-term survival.
* Individual Responsibility: Every individual can play a role in protecting humpback whales by supporting sustainable fishing practices, reducing pollution, and advocating for responsible marine conservation.