The humpback whale “Megaptera Novaeangliae” is one of our planet’s most emblematic and majestic marine creatures. With its incredible vocal abilities, spectacular leaps and presence in almost every ocean on the planet, this species fascinates scientists, ecologists and marine life enthusiasts alike. Yet it still faces many challenges that threaten its survival.

The humpback whale: a cosmopolitan ocean giant

The humpback whale is a migratory species that travels thousands of kilometers every year. It lives mainly in oceanic and coastal waters, frequenting different habitats depending on the season:

• Breeding grounds: warm tropical and subtropical waters, such as those of the Caribbean, South Pacific or Indian Ocean, serve as nurseries where females give birth and raise their young.

• Feeding grounds: in summer, they migrate to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the polar regions, such as Antarctica, Alaska or the North Atlantic.

This double life between warm and cold waters is part of their biological cycle and ensures their survival.

Masters of the « bubble-net feeding »: an ingenious hunting technique

Humpback whales feed mainly on krill, small fish (such as herring or mackerel) and other marine species. They use a unique technique called “bubble-net feeding”: by blowing bubble underwater in a spiral, they create curtains of bubbles to traps schooling fish like krill or herring in one place before engulfing it all at once.

Their diet is seasonal: they eat heavily during the summer months in cold waters, and often fast during migration and the breeding season.

An impressive colossus whose main predator is man

Humpback whales measure between 12 and 16 meters long and weigh an average of 25 to 30 tons. Females are often larger than males. Their lifespan is estimated at around 50 years. In their natural environment, humpback whales have few natural predators. Killer whales sometimes prey on young calves. However, their main enemy remains humans.

An endangered species Vulnerable “VU“

The humpback whale, although now classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has come close to extinction. The various threats :

Commercial whaling: in the past, whaling decimated global populations. Thousands of humpback whales have been killed for their oil, meat and baleen. Although the International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned commercial whaling in 1986, some countries such as Japan, Norway and Iceland continue to hunt whales under the pretext of “scientific research” or by circumventing regulations.

Ship strikes: whales often migrate close to major shipping lanes, which exposes them to ship strikes, resulting in serious injury or death.

Noise pollution: noise caused by human activities (shipping, oil drilling, military) disrupts their ability to communicate, orient themselves and find mates.

Fishing nets: entanglement in fishing nets is another major threat, often causing fatal injuries.

Climate change: rising temperatures and ocean acidification are disrupting the availability of their main food sources, such as krill.

How many humpback whales are left?

Thanks to conservation efforts, the world’s humpback whale population is estimated at around 80,000 individuals, a clear improvement on the 1960s, when numbers had dwindled to a few thousand. However, some sub-populations, notably in the South Pacific, remain critically endangered.

Initiatives to protect the humpback whale

Numerous measures are in place to protect humpback whales:

Awareness-raising: information campaigns, such as whale-watching, help to educate the public while generating income for local communities.

Marine reserves: marine protected areas have been created to guarantee safe spaces for breeding and feeding.

Monitoring and research: tagging and surveillance programs help to better understand their behavior and migrations.

Anti-hunting: international organizations such as the IWC and NGOs are working to strengthen laws against commercial hunting.

Collision reduction: speed restrictions for ships and alternative routes are being tested in certain regions.

The humpback whale is much more than just a marine mammal. It embodies the richness and fragility of our biodiversity. By protecting this species, we also protect the marine ecosystems that are vital to our planet’s equilibrium. The fight to conserve the humpback whale is far from over, but it remains a beacon of hope in a world of environmental challenges.

Paul Watson

The renowned environmental activist and co-founder of Greenpeace, then founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, plays a key role in whale protection. Paul Watson and his team have been particularly vocal in their opposition to Japanese whaling under the pretext of “scientific research”. 

Sea Shepherd has worked to protect whale sanctuaries, such as the one in Antarctica, where all whaling is banned. By actively patrolling these areas, Paul Watson and his team have succeeded in preventing or limiting illegal whaling activities.

Paul Watson has used the media and his public appearances to denounce the practices of hunting nations. He has also highlighted inconsistencies in international regulations and the lack of enforcement of laws protecting whales.

Sea Shepherd’s campaigns have had a significant impact: media pressure and obstructions at sea have prompted Japan to reduce its whaling quotas in certain regions. In 2014, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Japan’s whaling program in the Antarctic was not “scientific” and should cease, although Japan has since resumed its activities in a different form.

At MAURICE

At MAURICE, every product bears the scientific name of an animal whose situation deserves our full attention, like the humpback whale. Megaptera Novaeangliae is also the name of our MAURICE collar for Chihuahuas and very small dogs. Adorned with golden brass buckles, this chic little leather dog collar is the perfect blend of elegance and timelessness. Handcrafted in France.

Discover our Megaptera Novaeangliae collar and all our pet accessories made in France!