Chilean Blue Whaling Research Paper

Conservation of Chilean Blue Whales Blue Whales are the largest animals on the planet, weighting 200 tons. (World Wildlife Fund) They are very unique and different animals, which are worth to conserve on earth. Blue Whales in Chilean waters are nearly extinct and every time is more difficult for scientists and organizations to keep track of them because there are very few. It is important for people to become conscious about this issue and try to conserve this specie.
“Blue Whales are at the top of the food chain and have an important role in the overall health of the marine environment. During the 20th century, the blue whale was an important whaling target and even after it was protected and commercial whaling stopped in 1966, exploitation efforts by the former Soviet Union persisted. “(World Wildlife Fund) Studies by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have shown that the estimated population of Chilean Blue Whales is fewer than 250 mature individuals. (Williams et. al, 2011) It is hard to estimate exactly how much of these species there are because they are almost extinct in the Chilean area. Conservation of the environment is very important so that’s why regulations have been created to try to conserve species like Blue Whales. (Wiley et. al, 2008)
They are also harmed by ship strikes and they constantly become entangled in fishing gears. Climate change has caused a great impact on krill, which are blue whale’s major prey, and this makes them very vulnerable and weak. (World Wildlife Fund) Blue Whales from the southeastern pacific are less threatened than Blue Whales in the Chilean waters. (Williams et. al, 2011) Additional Threats that can endanger the Lives of Blue Whales are: anthropogenic noise, habitat degradation, pollution, vessel disturbance and long term changed in climate. (World Wildlife