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Minke whales are increasing

For much of this century, Norway, the UK, Japan and other countries competed fiercely for whale resources in the Antarctic. As a result, most species were over-exploited, beginning with blue whales followed by fin whales, the species with the highest commercial value. These species have not yet recovered to their optimum population levels.

By contrast, minke whales in the Antarctic have been increasing as they fill the ecological niche created by removal of the larger baleen whales. Culling of minke whales may greatly help the recovery of the larger baleen whales.

Changes in population size of baleen whale species in the Antarctic

NOTE :

A : Whaling begins in the Antarctic (1904)
B : End of World War II (1945)
C : Application of New Management Procedure (1975)
D : Commercial whaling Moratorium implemented (1986)
E : Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) level