Fin Back

Following the drastic decline in large whale populations due to commercial whaling, the fin whale was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1970. This listing provides strict protections to prevent hunting and promotes efforts to recover the species' population levels.

In 2006, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) reaffirmed its 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling, which included efforts to protect the fin whale. Despite the ban, certain countries have continued limited whaling activities citing scientific research or objections to the moratorium.

The 2008 annual meeting of the International Whaling Commission raised significant concerns about the conservation status of fin whales. Discussions involved the need for better international cooperation to enforce whaling bans and implement effective habitat protections.

In 2009, a significant discovery was made as large numbers of fin whales were sighted in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the Pelagos Sanctuary. The presence of so many fin whales in this area highlighted the importance of the sanctuary and urged stronger protections for marine mammals.

A notable event occurred in 2010 when a juvenile fin whale was found stranded in Everglades National Park. Despite rescue efforts, the whale died, leading to research and discussion about the impact of human activities on fin whales' natural habitats and stressors affecting their navigation.

In 2013, Iceland resumed commercial fin whaling after a two-year break, setting a quota to catch up to 184 fin whales. This action was controversial and criticized internationally, as fin whales are listed as vulnerable and their population is still recovering from historical over-exploitation.

In 2015, an international agreement was reached to enhance the protection of ocean regions beyond national jurisdictions, benefiting species such as the fin whale. This agreement involves multiple nations working towards sustainable use and conservation of marine biodiversity in international waters.

In 2017, researchers discovered new breeding grounds for fin whales in the Gulf of California. This discovery allowed scientists to better understand the life cycle and reproductive habits of fin whales, offering insights into their migration patterns and supporting conservation efforts.

In 2018, Japan announced its withdrawal from the International Whaling Commission to resume commercial whaling. Although Japan stated it would cease whaling in the Antarctic, it planned to focus whaling efforts within its territorial waters, including targeting species like fin whales.

In June 2019, a U.S. federal court upheld protections for endangered fin whales against commercial exploitation, reinforcing the necessity of maintaining strict environmental regulations and support for ongoing conservation efforts. This court decision emphasized the legal framework safeguarding these marine giants.