Friday JohnKU – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay Good News

~ John W. Howell
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

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.

“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.

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.

Co-operation by John W. Howell © 2023

It takes more than one,

Working together for good . . .

The animals thrive.

 

87 thoughts on “Friday JohnKU – AKA – TGIF Fri-Yay Good News”

  11. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  15. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

      1. 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)

        Liked by 1 person

  19. 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!

    Liked by 1 person

  21. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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.

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  23. 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

    Liked by 1 person

  26. 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.) 😁😁😁

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