Episode Details

Three hundred humpback whales—possibly the largest supergroup ever recorded—were spotted off South Africa’s coast, a stunning sign of recovery for the species after decades of whaling. Once down to fewer than 10,000, their numbers now exceed 100,000, thanks to the 1986 global whaling ban. These massive gatherings, linked to rich feeding grounds, began reappearing around 2012 and signal a major conservation win. Yet, not all whales are rebounding—seven of fourteen great whale species remain endangered or vulnerable, facing threats like ship strikes, fishing gear entanglements, and climate change. Compounding the danger, shipping traffic around southern Africa has quadrupled since late 2023 due to the Red Sea conflict, increasing collision risks. Scientists are now pushing for mandatory ship speed limits near the coast to protect these majestic creatures.

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