Blue and fin whales slowly return to southeast Atlantic after whaling

Commercial whaling killed an estimated 350,000 blue whales and 725,000 fin whales during the 20th century. More than 40 years after the practice ended, both species are slowly returning to the southeast Atlantic, according to a study in the African Journal of Marine Science. Researchers found that 95 per cent of confirmed whale sightings occurred since 2012.

The study examined records from the Benguela upwelling system off Namibia and South Africa's west coast, spanning 1964 to March 2025. Blue whales remain critically endangered, with a population at roughly 3 per cent of historical levels. Fin whales are listed as vulnerable, with numbers at over 30 per cent. The increase in sightings may partly reflect better monitoring by ships at sea.

Scientists caution that the recovery is far from complete. Threats such as ship collisions, fishing gear, underwater noise, and climate-related changes in krill availability persist. Lead author Dr Bridget James of the University of Cape Town said the signs of return do not signal full recovery, and the populations have a long way to go.