Why Are Blue Whales Endangered?

Blue whales are beautiful mammals that call the oceans of the world their home. These majestic creatures are magnificent to look at in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, numerous factors have caused the blue whales to be placed on the endangered species list. Man has played a large role in the rapid decrease in the blue whale population. Many conservation plans are underway to try and stop the killing of blue whales and raise their population numbers.

Whaling
Whaling is a huge reason why blue whales are on their way to extinction. Whaling is the hunting of whales for food or sport. In 1966, whaling was made illegal. Despite the attempts to outlaw this practice, many nations all over the world continue to take part in this illegal act.

Vessels
Many whales are severely injured every year by man made vessels. Whales are often ran into or ran over by vessels. This leaves many blue whales fatally wounded. Many whale injuries and deaths go unreported every year so the exact number of whale deaths remains unknown.

Fishing Equipment
Fishing equipment is responsible for numerous blue whale deaths as well. Many whales become entangled in fishing gear. This leaves many whales injured to the point they die. It is unclear the exact number of whale deaths related to this because once the whales become entangled they often break away and swim off. Many believe however the injuries they receive from the fishing equipment leave the whales fatally wounded.

Natural Causes
Nature is also a known killer of blue whales. Because blue whales live in colder environments, they often become injured by ice. Moving ice or whales running into large pieces of ice can leave then severely wounded. This is also a known cause of the decrease in the blue whale population.

Despite their extremely large size, blue whales also fall victim to other inhabitants on the ocean. One of the known killers of blue whales, is their fellow ocean companion the killer whale. Killer whales are playing a role in the extinction of the blue whale

Conservation Efforts
Multiple conservation efforts are underway to try and raise the blue whale population. A large attempt has been made when the whaling industry was made illegal. Another attempt to raise the blue whale population involves equipping ships and other vessels with monitoring systems to avoid hitting whales and other mammals of the ocean. Blue whales are also closely monitored by the United States.

With these conservation efforts in effect, the blue whale population has a chance at increasing their numbers and hopefully someday being removed from the endangered animal list.

References:
"Endangered Animals" Savethewhales.com