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UNCERTAIN FUTURE: Now many scientists have had enough and are warning that the whale is in danger of extinction. In the picture you can see a fin whale. Photo: BENNY F NIELSEN / POLFOTO
Researchers and conservationists from 40 countries warn that the risk of extinction for whales is “real and imminent.” At the same time, Norway catches hundreds of whales every year.
«We, the undersigned researchers, express our greatest concern about the risk of extinction of many species and populations of whales.».
Thus begins the letter, signed by 350 researchers from around the world.
The professionals involved in the survey, who are specialists in whales, believe that the situation is now critical. Whales, dolphins and porpoises are in danger of extinction.
– May this be the historic moment when we realize the whale is in danger and unleashing a powerful wave of action to save our oceans, says former SeaWorld whale trainer Mark Simmonds, according to the BBC. Then it asks regulators, researchers, politicians and the public to take action.
The petition is coordinated by the University of Bristol and Humane Society International.
The northern cape, the great baleen whale, is severely threatened, researchers believe. There may be only ten Californians left.
Photo: ERLEND BERGE NÜ SHEIM
Caught in nets and killed
The greatest threat to marine mammals is that the animals are accidentally caught in fishing nets and gear. This kills about 300,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises a year, writes the BBC.
But the whale is also caught with full knowledge and will. Last year, nature presenter Sir David Attenboroug criticized Iceland, Japan and Norway for conducting commercial whaling.
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) stopped commercial whaling in 1986 because the whale was close to extinction. Norway and Iceland reserved their position on the ban, and since 1993 Norway has been the only nation to catch minke whales under quotas.
In 2019, Norway caught 429 minke whales.
– It’s sad! By protecting the whale, we have managed to save this magnificent animal from extinction. Many countries joined forces and decided to trade together. It is very sad that Norway has backtracked on this, he said. Attenborough to VG last year.
CRITICISM OF NORWAY: Sir David Attenborough. Photo: Nina E. Rangoy
More challenges
There are several threats that threaten the existence of whales, says University of Tromsø whale researcher Audun Rikardsen to NRK.
– Ship collision, noise pollution, habitat damage and, not least, pollution are threats we see to populations that researchers are concerned about, says Rikardsen.
He shares concerns about global extinction, but that the situation in our immediate areas is better than in other parts of the world.
– When we get to the North Atlantic, where we are, the situation is actually a little different. Here we have seen that many of these species have increased after harvest has stopped, and indeed quite steeply in populations. This especially applies to humpback whales, fin whales, and to that extent killer whales, Rikardsen tells NRK.
Sensitive and smart
Whales are valued as sensitive, intelligent and inspiring creatures, it is said in the survey. The researchers point out that «we will not deny future generations the opportunity to experience them».
Marine mammals are like caretakers of the health of our oceans, the researchers recall. These animals play an important role in the ecosystem, which is important not only for their survival, but also for ours.
Previous studies have shown that whales play a very important role in the oceans. A study from the US and Canada in 2014 estimated that all whales that die store up to 190,000 tons of carbon a year.
