The magnificent creature that is the whale is not only a beautiful animal but also has significant ecological value to our planet. World Whale Day 2022 is the perfect time to stop and learn a bit more about these giant mammals and how to protect them. Celebrated on the third Sunday of February every year, this year’s event takes place on the 20th of February.
The History of World Whale Day
Originally, Greg Kauffman, founder of the Pacific Whale Foundation, created World Whale Day to honor humpback whales. He founded the day in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii one of the islands close to which humpbacks whales swim. Kauffman wanted to raise awareness about the threat of extinction faced by these amazing creatures.
Today, Maui holds an annual Whale Festival, during which the Pacific Whale Foundation organizes a free all-day event. And internationally the day revolves around the protection of all whales as well as the environment they live in.
The Most Endangered Whale
Whales come in many shapes and sizes. The largest is the Blue Whale, which can grow to 30 meters in length. Yet there is also the toothed dwarf sperm whale, that only grows between 2 -3 meters long. But currently, the most endangered of them all is the North Atlantic right whale. Of which there are sadly less than 400 individuals remaining.
The Need for Protection
The evolution of mankind has unfortunately brought with it many ecological dowsides. Our ways are very destructive to the nature around us and so we need to take action to counter the effects. Things such as oil spills, plastic litter, and industrial waste all play a role in creating an unhealthy environment for creatures such as whales to live in. To add to this, we create further habitat destruction with our various activities, such as seismic blasting. Never mind the ripple effect of climate change. And the more direct effect of whale hunting.
Any way you look at it, the bottom line is that, as a species, we need to be active in protecting these creatures as much as we can. We are, after all, the ones doing most of the damage. So do your part during World Whale Day 2022, and make a change in your life that supports the protection of the oceans. Even if it is something as simple as creating less plastic waste.