"In the very same waters of the Southern Ocean where whalers slaughtered more than 2 million whales during the 20th century, populations are recovering. Humpback whales have been the fastest to bounce back since commercial whaling was banned in 1986, and populations are nearly at pre-whaling levels."
"In the midst of this comeback, a new threat has emerged that is once more pitting whales against humans: industrial trawlers fishing alongside whales for Antarctic krill, the foundation of the Antarctic ecosystem and the main food source for most large Antarctic species."
"Using line-transect surveys, along with drone-based and acoustic measurements, the scientists recorded whales as well as the presence of krill trawlers, a growing Antarctic fishing industry that conservationists fear could threaten whale recovery."
Whale populations in the Southern Ocean are rebounding after being decimated by whaling in the 20th century. Humpback whales are nearing pre-whaling levels, while blue whales are recovering more slowly. Researchers have observed large groups of whales, reminiscent of historical accounts. However, the resurgence of whales faces a new challenge from industrial krill trawlers, which are depleting the krill population, a vital food source for whales and other Antarctic species. Conservationists are concerned about the impact of this fishing industry on whale recovery efforts.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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