Humpback whales are one of the largest whales in the ocean. They often range from 39-52 feet and weigh close to 40 tons. They undertake long migrations between cold water feeding grounds in the north and south during summer to tropical or subtropical breeding grounds in winter.
Most of my work with these magnificent animals has been done in the cold waters of Alaska. There, I’ve seen them fin flap, breach, and raise their tail just before a dive to feed. During the 19th and 20th centuries, commercial whaling heavily affected humpback whales, resulting in their endangered status. But fairly recently, the United States removed humpbacks from the Endangered Species list. Proof positive that organized conservation does work. Thankfully a positive conservation example gives me hope that other animals, forests, and oceans can also be protected.