Australia has one of the highest rates of animal species that face
extinction, decline or negative impacts from human behavior in the
world.* However, over the last decade, there have been rare occurrences
of animals that are rebounding and thriving. One example is the
conservation success story of the recovery of the humpback whales that
breed in both East and West Australian waters. This new study, published
in
Marine Policy and led by Dr. Michelle Bejder, reviews data
collected in past studies and proposes a revision of the conservation
status for the humpback whales found in Australian waters.
In
Australia, the east and west coast humpback whale populations are listed
as a threatened species with a 'vulnerable' status as defined by the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC
Act). However, according to Professor Lars Bejder at Murdoch University
Australia, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences and his international
co-authors, data reveals that these whale populations are increasing at
remarkable rates (9% for West Coast and 10% for East Coast; as of 2012),
the highest documented worldwide. As of 2012, both the East and West
Coast whale populations had more than 63% (East Coast) and 90% (West
Coast) of the number of whales estimated in each population before the
whaling era (approximately 1912-1972). Since humpback whales no longer
fulfil the criteria of the EPBC Act, the study suggests, they should
have their conservation status revised.
"Our conclusions serve as
an example of optimism and hope in the conservation of marine fauna
protection, as the relentless communication of marine conservation
problems does not always encourage politicians, policy makers, and the
public to solve them," said Prof. Bejder. "We highlight a success story,
which provides hope and optimism that ongoing conservation actions can
prevail."
Image shows Humpback whale, which have long been listed
as an endangered species in East and West Australia, are making a
comeback.
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