North Pacific humpback whales are facing a silent crisis: their population dropped by 20% in under a decade, and scientists point to marine heat waves as a key suspect. 🌡️ A study published in Royal Society Open Science reveals a troubling reversal of decades-long recovery efforts.
A Boom… Then Bust
Thanks to a ban on commercial whaling in 1976, humpback numbers climbed steadily—until 2012. But over 33,000 individual whales tracked via photo IDs of their unique tail markings show a sharp decline since then. Researchers describe it as a “wake-up call” for ocean health.
Why the Sudden Drop?
The study highlights marine heat waves—prolonged periods of abnormally warm ocean temperatures—as a major disruptor. These events can wreck food chains, shrinking the krill and small fish humpbacks rely on. 🦐🐟 “It’s like their grocery store shelves are emptying,” one scientist noted.
What’s Next?
While conservation efforts helped whales rebound before, climate-driven challenges like heat waves add new complexity. Researchers stress the need for global climate action to protect these iconic giants—and the oceans they call home. 🌍
