Friday JohnKU – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay Good News

June 23, 2023 · by John W. Howell · in TGIF · 87 Comments

American Museum of Natural History Video – Screengrab

Today’s good news story comes from (where else) the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.

Blue Whales Return to California at Levels Not Seen Since Before the Whaling Industry

By Andy Corbley Jun 21, 2023

Don’t call it a comeback; blue whales have been here for years, rocking their peers and putting sailors in fear.

The largest animals on Earth are returning to the coastal Californian waters in larger and larger numbers, with sightings on whale-watching trips becoming increasingly common.

According to a 2014 study investigating the impact of ship strikes on the blue whale population, the western Pacific population of these cetaceans has reached 97% of its pre-whaling levels.

“It’s not just one entity that is contributing to the success of the populations rebounding; it’s really the efforts of everyone,” Jennie Dean, Vice President of Education and Conservation at the Aquarium of the Pacific in LA, told KTLA.

“When we’re able to take collective action and think about balance, such that people and the activities that we want to support like shipping, like recreational use, like commercial fishing, all of those things can coexist.”

Commercial fishing tackle can harm whales, so the industry took measures to reduce this, and it worked.

Too many blue whales were killed every year in ship strikes, and so Pacific shipping narrowed their lanes to avoid areas where whales congregate, and are now agreeing to reduce their speeds when entering and exiting harbor areas.

The current estimates suggest that as many as 2,000 blue whales travel up from Mexico to Southern California waters every year, a large chunk of a global population that may be topping 25,000.

Another marine mammal making a comeback is seals, which have begun regularly turning up on the beaches of Belgium for the first time in over a century. Grey seals and harbor seals turn up on the beach to rest and feed their pups, during which time they are protected from overly-excited Belgians by a volunteer force called the North Seal Team.

Scientists believe there is a population of 200 such animals near the city of Ostend.

“I was born in Ostend. I’ve lived my whole life here, and I couldn’t remember seeing a seal,” says Inge De Bruycker, founder of the North Seal Team to Euronews. “It’s new. It’s like, come on, when we built this dam here about seven, eight years ago, we sometimes had one. Occasionally, but just one.”

The good news here is that combined efforts are bringing these animals back from endangerment. Today’s JohnKu talks about how to help the planet. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

It takes more than one,

Working together for good . . .

The animals thrive.

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, Good News Fri-Yay, Haiku, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, JohnKu, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, The Last Drive

87 comments

Writer Lori · June 23, 2023 - 4:12 am ·

Cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate these blasts of goodness, John. A bright spot in an oftentimes bleak news landscape.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:19 am ·
  
  I agree Lori. That’s why I have to publish them. They give me a lift too.
  
  LikeLike
Sorryless · June 23, 2023 - 4:37 am ·

As Goldblum said in that dinosaur movie, nature finds a way. . .

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:22 am ·
  
  Well said, Pilgrim. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Sorryless · June 23, 2023 - 3:35 pm ·
    
    Keep ’em coming Sheriff.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 5:27 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
karenringalls · June 23, 2023 - 5:02 am ·

An important message for everyone to read. Thank you for sharing it with us.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:23 am ·
  
  Thank you, Karen. 😁
  
  LikeLike
Charles Yallowitz · June 23, 2023 - 5:38 am ·

So cool. Going whale watching next week, but I’ll be on the wrong coast.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:24 am ·
  
  So cool. Can you take photos?
  
  LikeLike
  1. Charles Yallowitz · June 23, 2023 - 8:24 am ·
    
    Hoping. Depends entirely on the whales.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:12 am ·
      
      Yeah of course.
      
      LikeLike
coldhandboyack · June 23, 2023 - 6:02 am ·

I love hearing this. Somehow, we tend to celebrate the comeback of some creatures, but not others. I can attest to the comeback of the Mormon crickets.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:26 am ·
  
  When living in San Antonio the cricket herds were very annoying so I can imagine your joy in the recovery of the Mormons.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. coldhandboyack · June 23, 2023 - 9:45 am ·
    
    If I had a macro lens it would like like the advance of a huge Buffalo herd.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:13 am ·
      
      I can visualize it.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Annette Rochelle Aben · June 23, 2023 - 6:03 am ·

Whales and their winning ways! ❤

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:27 am ·
  
  I think altering human loosing ways did the trick.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
GP · June 23, 2023 - 6:26 am ·

This definitely is good news, John. Thank you for bringing us items like this weekly!

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:29 am ·
  
  Helps me too, GP. Thank you.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jill Weatherholt · June 23, 2023 - 6:33 am ·

This is wonderful news, John. Thanks for sharing.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:30 am ·
  
  I liked the part where humans altered their behavior to help these giants. Thanks, Jill.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Joan Hall · June 23, 2023 - 6:55 am ·

Great news, John!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:31 am ·
  
  It is Joan. Thank you.
  
  LikeLike
John Hric · June 23, 2023 - 7:28 am ·

Great news John. What is the required waiting period after coffee before switching to celebratory sauce ?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:32 am ·
  
  How long does it take to get a glass?
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
noelleg44 · June 23, 2023 - 7:48 am ·

Common sense solutions to the problem, John. But slow in coming! Did you see the story about the whale that swallowed two kayakers and their kayak? Spit them out shortly thereafter, thank goodness!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 8:33 am ·
  
  I did not read that. I’ll look for it. Thanks, Noelle.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
2. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:10 am ·
  
  I just read it. That was amazing.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
3. noelleg44 · June 24, 2023 - 10:18 am ·
  
  Ear scritches for Twiggy.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. John W. Howell · June 24, 2023 - 2:18 pm ·
    
    Thank you, Miss Noelle. I love those ear scritches
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
JFRSr · June 23, 2023 - 7:57 am ·

Very encouraging to read a positive ECO story…thanks for sharing John.🐳

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:11 am ·
  
  My pleasure, Jim. Thank you. 😊
  
  LikeLike
Jennie · June 23, 2023 - 8:08 am ·

This is wonderful!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:11 am ·
  
  It is. So great to see that when action is taken things get better.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jennie · June 23, 2023 - 2:11 pm ·
    
    Yes!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 5:33 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan Sikes · June 23, 2023 - 9:18 am ·

I love these kinds of stories. Mother Nature is amazing at restoring and reviving but sometimes she needs a little help. Thanks for sharing, John.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:12 am ·
  
  Big help needed for these whales. Thanks, Jan
  
  LikeLike
Dale · June 23, 2023 - 9:51 am ·

I love that so many entities came together to protect these species – from ships narrowing their lanes and slowing down, to commercial fishermen changing the way they fish, to people simply being on board to help. Wonderful!
Have a splendid Friday and weekend, John!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:14 am ·
  
  Thak you, Dale. I hope you have the same.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · June 23, 2023 - 11:35 am ·
    
    Oh, I’m planning on it! I’m working today – though it is a holiday (well, tomorrow is officially it but we get either today or Monday off – I’m taking neither, saving them for Marc’s visit)
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 5:35 pm ·
      
      Good idea. Do you like this job?
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Dale · June 23, 2023 - 11:25 pm ·
      
      It is. I do. It’s been a whirlwind for the first month and a bit. I think I found my spot.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · June 24, 2023 - 6:55 am ·
      
      Great.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    4. Dale · June 24, 2023 - 9:53 am ·
      
      🙂
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    5. John W. Howell · June 24, 2023 - 2:15 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
D.L. Finn, Author · June 23, 2023 - 10:00 am ·

I was just reading about this last night, John. It makes me very happy that we learning to coexist.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 11:09 am ·
  
  Me too. Thanks, Denise.
  
  LikeLike
T. W. Dittmer · June 23, 2023 - 12:10 pm ·

Good to hear positive news about our world, John, really good to hear about businesses making changes to help make it happen. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 5:34 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Tim. I hope you have a great weekend.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. T. W. Dittmer · June 23, 2023 - 7:52 pm ·
    
    You too, John. 🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 9:12 pm ·
      
      Thanks, Tim
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
quiall · June 23, 2023 - 2:39 pm ·

Proof positive that we can effect change!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 5:30 pm ·
  
  For sure, Pam. Thanks
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Jacquie Biggar · June 23, 2023 - 6:19 pm ·

It’s wonderful to hear conservation efforts are making a difference. Too often we’re told we have to do more (which we do) without the incentive of why. Thanks for this Good News, John.
How are you making out in the heat wave? I heard on the news some areas of Texas are seeing temps as high as 57 C- that’s crazy!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 23, 2023 - 7:35 pm ·
  
  That is crazy. We have been having the highest temperatures ever recorded, Jacquie. Mother nature is starting to get grumpy.
  
  LikeLike
Liz Gauffreau · June 24, 2023 - 4:24 am ·

This is good news, indeed!

LikeLike
1. John W. Howell · June 24, 2023 - 7:02 am ·
  
  Yes it is. How are things going in Woodstock?
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Liz Gauffreau · June 24, 2023 - 5:51 pm ·
    
    A little slow, but I made a few sales.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 24, 2023 - 8:00 pm ·
      
      Good.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Liz Gauffreau · June 25, 2023 - 6:48 pm ·
      
      Overall, I would say it was worth going to.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · June 26, 2023 - 6:58 am ·
      
      Always a good thing to say when you have committed the time.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    4. Liz Gauffreau · June 26, 2023 - 7:04 am ·
      
      Indeed. 🙂
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Tails Around the Ranch · June 24, 2023 - 12:33 pm ·

Good/positive news is most welcome these days, especially recently. I heard about your dear Lucy, I’m so sorry. Elsa and I send our most gentle thoughts of comfort. We lost Norman last week and know to a certain extent what you’re experiencing. Thinking of you.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 24, 2023 - 2:25 pm ·
  
  So sorry about Norman as well. As hard as I try I cannot find comfort in the idea that I did what was best for Lucy. I can only keep her memory in my heart and remember what a good life she had. I hope you can do the same regarding Norman. Thank you for your kind words, Monika.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
markbierman · June 25, 2023 - 6:13 am ·

Excellent news!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2023 - 8:33 am ·
  
  It is. Thanks, Mark.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Resa · June 25, 2023 - 3:57 pm ·

Agree 100% with your JohnKu.
It’s great that some animals are building up their populations. It IS good news.
We still have a lot of work to do, and a long way to go.
Ȏꭓ Ȏꭓ Ȏꭓ Ȏꭓ

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2023 - 4:06 pm ·
  
  Yes we have a lot of work and far to go. Thanks for the visit. o⚒ o⚒ o⚒ o⚒
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Resa · June 25, 2023 - 4:18 pm ·
    
    ❦o⚒ o⚒ o⚒ o⚒❦
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · June 25, 2023 - 4:20 pm ·
      
      ❦o⚒ o⚒ o⚒ o⚒❦♛
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Resa · June 25, 2023 - 4:24 pm ·
      
      ♛❦o⚒ o⚒ o⚒ o⚒❦♛
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · June 25, 2023 - 4:34 pm ·
      
      ♛❦o⚒ o⚒ o⚒ o⚒❦♛☕︎
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    4. Resa · June 26, 2023 - 3:02 pm ·
      
      ☕︎♛❦o⚒ o⚒ o⚒ o⚒❦♛☕︎
      
      LikeLike
    5. John W. Howell · June 26, 2023 - 4:09 pm ·
      
      ☕︎♛❦o⚒ o⚒ o⚒ o⚒❦♛☕︎☘︎
      
      LikeLike
dgkaye · June 26, 2023 - 9:10 pm ·

Yay for the whales! Thanks for sharing this uplifting news with us John. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 27, 2023 - 6:54 am ·
  
  It is good news. Thanks, Debby.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. dgkaye · June 27, 2023 - 8:26 am ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
kethuprofumo · June 29, 2023 - 3:34 pm ·

Great news! Let’s hope humans will return back to peace soon, dear John. Thank you!🙂🌷

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · June 29, 2023 - 4:23 pm ·
  
  Sometimes I thinh humans are allergic to please. Thank you, Maria.🥂🍰
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. kethuprofumo · July 1, 2023 - 4:08 pm ·
    
    You are right, dear John. Unfortunately, they are…🍤🍤🍤🍻
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 1, 2023 - 4:13 pm ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Marcia · July 3, 2023 - 7:49 am ·

Sorry to be so late, John, but once again, I love this series of yours! Thanks for this very good news! I’m so glad I saved the link, as it was well worth the wait. A whale of a tale, my friend. (Sorry. Couldn’t help myself.) 😁😁😁

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · July 3, 2023 - 8:43 am ·
  
  Thank you, Marcia. Good one on the whale of a tale. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Marcia · July 3, 2023 - 9:57 am ·
    
    😄
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · July 3, 2023 - 2:35 pm ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person