Whales are not only majestic and massive, but they play a vital role in maintaining ocean health and keeping our planet cool. According to estimates from 2019, whales can sequester an average of 33 tons of CO2 throughout their lifetime. Unlike most terrestrial organisms, which release their carbon into the atmosphere after death, whales sink to the bottom of the ocean and maintain their body weight in carbon for centuries to come. Therefore, a single whale can capture as much carbon as 1,375 trees. In addition, whales transport nutrients, such as phosphorus and iron, throughout the marine ecosystem, stimulating phytoplankton which generate more than half of the world’s atmospheric oxygen and capture about 40% of all CO2 produced globally.
However, whales are at risk of extinction, with six of the thirteen great whale species on the planet now classified as endangered or vulnerable, and biologists estimate there are more than 1.3 million whales left globally, compared to about 4 to 5 million whales prior to industrialized whaling. Cumulative impacts from a wide range of sources such as fisheries, bycatch, ghost nets, plastic pollution, increased ship traffic, and underwater noise all affect whale populations worldwide, and that’s why we need to protect blue corridors for whales and their critical habitats.
Blue corridors are essential superhighways that facilitate the movement of whales and other large marine animals between critical ocean habitats that are used for feeding, mating and giving birth. Thus, implementing a program that compensates shipping companies for altering their shipping routes to reduce the risk of collisions is crucial. Furthermore, governments can help by joining the 30×30 pledge, calling for the protection of at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Additionally, efforts by organizations like the Antarctic Southern Ocean Coalition and WWF to designate protected marine areas can provide long term conservation protections for the marine life within them.
If we have more whales, we will have more phytoplankton, which means more carbon capture, less impact on the climate crisis, and a healthier ocean for all. The question of whether whales can save the planet is not straightforward, and a single species alone cannot save the planet. However, whales’ vital role in maintaining ocean health and keeping our planet cool means that we must protect them. Otherwise, we risk losing an essential part of our ocean ecosystem, with far-reaching consequences for us all.
In conclusion, we must prioritize the protection of our ocean ecosystems. This requires collective action from individuals, governments, and organizations globally. We need to recognize the vital role that whales, and other marine species play in maintaining a healthy ocean, making our climate safe, and sustaining life on earth. By safeguarding whales and their habitats, we not only protect them but also contribute to a healthy and thriving blue planet.
<< photo by Francesco Ungaro >>