Whales are earth’s largest mammals, so they spend most time underwater, but do come up to breathe. Each year, whales migrate thousands of miles to breed and give birth. There are several species, but the largest are blue whales (longer than the 100m you ran at school) with tongues the size of elephants and hearts that weigh more than a car.
Yet they are gentle creatures that stay with their calves for years, and sing underwater to each other! Other species of whales include humpbacks (easy to recognise), sperm whales (thankfully today jojoba oil is used instead of theirs for beauty products) and beluga whales (found in Russian waters). Orcas (killer whales) are actually dolphins, and suffer greatly in aquariums as the pools are too small and shallow (they often suffer sunburn in the searing Floridian heat). All whales are endangered due to warming oceans, plastic waste and pollution. A few countries still hunt whales with harpoons, to sell their meat and blubber (for beauty use).
How to Save Endangered Whales
- Live a simple organic life, this helps to reduce pollution and climate change. Take your litter with you, and if you sail or fish, see tips to be a greener boater.
- Never eat whale meat (often sold to unsuspecting tourists in Scandinavia and Russia). If you eat fish, avoid brands that use by-catch (nets that catch whales and other marine creatures).
- Don’t release balloons or fire lanterns. These explode in the air and fall to the sea where they get eaten by ‘filter feeders’ including whales and sea turtles. Fire lanterns are not just fire hazards, but drop metal spikes into the sea (also avoid plastic disposable cutlery as the prongs of forks and serrated knife edges can also harm).
- Wear natural fibres (organic cotton, hemp and linen) to avoid microplastics escaping the washing machine (use compostable cleaning cloths over non-biodegradable Microfiber ones).
- Use reef-safe sunscreens without chemicals that pollute the oceans, when they wash off. Never use human sunscreens on pets (and wash off toxic zinc or titanium oxide, before letting pets give your skin a lick!)
Found an Injured or Stranded Whale?
- Report injured or stranded marine creatures to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (coastguard and RSPCA can put you through) and The Wildlife Trusts.
- Support in upright position, dig trenches under pectoral fins)
- Douse with water, cover with wet sheets, towels (or seaweed).
- Do NOT cover (or let water in) the blowhole (like our nostrils).
- Give injury details, count breaths from blowhole, and keep away from the tail, which could injure.
- Note the weather (shade, sun) and area (sand, pebbles).
- Do NOT release the animal, until rescued team arrives.
Campaign to Stop Whaling
Despite the global ban, Norway still hunts minke whales under an ‘objection’, killing hundreds each year, subsidised by government (most are pregnant females). Leftovers are tossed in the sea where they rot and pollut the sea (many whales do not die immediately and bleed to death or are then shot).
Just like dairy is promoted in the west, whale meat is promoted to children as healthy, with ‘whale burgers’ offered at school festivals. But now less than 5% of Norwegians eat whale meat, the hunters are trying to sell it to Japan or western tourists, often offerd a ‘steak’ on a cruise ship. Whale meat also finds its way into beauty creams and health supplements. Ambergris (whale poo) is sometimes use in the scent industry, so find sustainable vegan perfumes instead). And never support companies that promote whaling tours. Help Sea Shepherd (campaigns peacefully against whaling) by donating old cars and surfing the web with Everyclick (sponsors donate).
Look in stores for Gray Whale Gin. Handcrafted in California (inspired by a trip that saw a whale and her calf on the ocean), this 12,000 mile journey is now celebrated using botanicals foraged along the migratory path, from Temecula limes to sea kelp. Each bottle supports Oceana, a charity that protects and restores the world’s oceans.
