The Blue Whale is the largest ocean species. Excessive hunting has decreased its population drastically and has posed a significant threat on the existence of this species, even though an international ban was made in 1966. 200,000 blue whales were killed, which has left them with a number of 3000-5000. Conservation efforts and security measures have been put in place in effort to save these species.
In the 1900s the Blue Whales were aggressively hunted for oil, which drove them almost to extinction. 360,000 blue whales were slaughtered between 1900 to the mid-1960s. They became under protection in 1966 by the International Whaling Commission, they've only managed a minor recovery since. Blue whales do have few predators, although many are injured or die by shark or killer whale attacks. Another threat is impacts from large ships.
In the 1900s the Blue Whales were aggressively hunted for oil, which drove them almost to extinction. 360,000 blue whales were slaughtered between 1900 to the mid-1960s. They became under protection in 1966 by the International Whaling Commission, they've only managed a minor recovery since. Blue whales do have few predators, although many are injured or die by shark or killer whale attacks. Another threat is impacts from large ships.