Checking the BBC News this morning, I came across this good news story; California blue whales bounce back to near historic numbers
Researchers believe that California blue whales have recovered in numbers and the population has returned to sustainable levels.
Scientists say this is the only population of blue whales to have rebounded from the ravages of whaling.
The research team estimate that there are now 2,200 of these giant creatures on the eastern side of the Pacific Ocean.
But concerns remain about their vulnerability to being struck by ships.
...
Writing in the journal, Marine Mammal Science, researchers from the University of Washington say the California blue whales are now at 97% of their historical levels.
Working out that this species is now back at its traditional numbers required some dogged scientific sleuthing.
Whaling nations concentrated their hunting efforts on the colder waters of the Antarctic and until the practice was banned in 1966 some 346,000 of the animals were killed by harpoon.
The numbers of blue whales caught in the Pacific was much lower, approximately 3,400 between 1905 and 1971.
Much more at the link.
There is of course much more to be done to protect these magnificent creatures (and there kin) from the bastards that hunt them and the environmental degradation of the oceans, but this shows that they can come back given the right circumstances.
Also I get to post some whale song videos!
Thar she blows!
Save the whales
Wind on the water
Big blue
Farewell to Trawathie