International agreements, such as the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), have helped to reduce whaling and protect whale populations. This has allowed whale numbers to recover in many parts of the world.
Changes in ocean conditions:
Climate change and other factors have led to changes in ocean currents, water temperatures, and food availability. This has affected the distribution and abundance of whale prey, which has in turn influenced whale movements and abundance in different regions.
Improved whale monitoring and research:
Advancements in technology have made it easier to track whale movements and populations. This has helped scientists to better understand whale behavior, migration patterns, and population dynamics, and to identify areas of importance for whale conservation.
Growing public awareness:
There is a growing awareness of the importance of whale conservation and the threats facing these animals. This has led to an increase in public support for whale conservation efforts, which has helped to drive increased funding and research.