Sunday, September 7, 2014

California Blue Whale Population Rebounding: Margaret Canady 2nd Period

  According to a new study by the University of Washington, the population of California Blue Whales off the US West Coast is currently 2200, a miraculous rebound that is approximately 97% of historic levels. This is seen as a "conservation success story" due to the fact that the Blue Whales were on the brink of extinction just a few decades ago.
  California Blue Whales swim in the eastern Pacific Ocean, from the equator up to Alaska. Due to heavy whaling, the blue whales' population was dwindling in the mid 20th century. But with relatively recent conservation methods and careful environmental protections/regulations, this population has slowly grown, and has, in fact, almost reached their population density. This population is the only known group of blue whales to have recovered from the detrimental effects of whaling.
  The optimistic results of this study bring forth the hope that we can protect our world's animals from extinction. As shown in the article, with careful laws passed to prevent whaling off the West Coast, the whale population was able to recover. If we could take this positive example and apply it to other areas of our economy (including deforestation, fracking, and other human actions that disrupt animal habitats), we could transform our nation and world into a more conscious community that looks out for our environment.



4 comments:

  1. This very uplifting, Im glad you posted this! Its great to know that nature conservation acts can work

    -Julian Smith

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  2. This story is reassuring that hopefully other endangered species can also make a comeback like these California Blue Whales!
    -Td Simons

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  3. This makes me really happy, the idea that something so close to extinction was able to bounce back. This should motivate other states with endangered animals to try California's strategy of conservation.

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  4. It is so reassuring to know that we can make a difference in our future. I personally would like to be able to show my future children what a blue whale looks like in person and not just from a history book (no offense to Mrs. Countryman). Hopefully this story has uplifted and even renewed some lost faith in many concerned Americans.
    (4th period)

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