In the News: Canadian Government Wants to De-list Humpback Whales

This is a hot topic circulating the internets today. The Toronto Star reported by the recommendation of the Minister of Environment, Canada could be stripping the once endangered Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) of it's governmental protections. This comes at the same time the Canadian government is also approving the construction of an oil pipeline which will supply shipping routes with half a billion barrels of oil a year but the catch is it will overlap with crucial humpback territory. An population assessment conducted by a third party committee - The COSEWIC or Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada - has concluded that the humpback population is on the rise and therefore it is appropriate to remove their protection status. Unfortunately, this oil pipeline would be built through whale feeding and rearing grounds which are important for the preservation of this rebounding species. 

Research done on noise pollution and whales has been on going for the last decade or so and all findings have conclusively shown negative results to whales in the presence of noise pollution. Some of these negative effects include: whales moving away from feeding grounds, strandings, and decrease in calf birth rate. Other well known threats to humpbacks include collisions with ships and fishing net entanglements.

Does our need for oil outweigh our guardianship of these gentle ocean giants? 

You decide.

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