A study conducted by the National Marine Fisheries Service indicates that the humpback whale's population is growing at a rate of 4 to 7 percent per year. As a result, the federal government, who is required by law to review endangered species cases when new evidence comes to light, may consider taking the humpback off the endangered species listing. Public comments regarding the status of the whale will be taken by the government until Tuesday, October 13th. To read more, click humpback whale.
What concerns me is that should the humpback be taken off the listing and thus denied federal protection, its population will again be at risk to whaling hunts. After all, people were the primary reason this majestic creature of the ocean was near extinction to begin with. I agree that the indication of growing populations amongst the whale is a success story owed to the Endangered Species Act. But if we take away this protection, what will stop people from hunting down the humpback to near extinction again? If you feel as concerned as I do, please take a moment to contact your local government officials for support in protecting the humpback. I believe we owe it to them.
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