Why Whales Matter: Celebrating World Whale Day through action & Advocacy

Published on 2/15/25

Written by Jessica Colla

Every year, on the third Sunday of February, we celebrate World Whale Day to honor these majestic giants and raise awareness about their importance to marine ecosystems. Whales are more than awe-inspiring; they are vital to the health of our oceans and, by extension, our planet! Despite their size and significance, whales face numerous threats around the world, from climate change to pollution to unsustainable fishing practices.

As a professional marine biologist with over 10 years of experience working with these incredible animals, I’ve seen firsthand how their conservation benefits us all. This World Whale Day, let’s dive into why whales matter and what we can do to protect them! 🐋

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The Role of Whales on Ocean Health

Whales are often referred to as ecosystem engineers because of their profound impact on ocean health. One of their most significant contributions is nutrient cycling through a process known as the "whale pump." When whales dive deep to feed and return to the surface to defecate, they distribute essential nutrients like nitrogen and iron throughout the water column. YES, whale poop is essential to ocean health! These nutrients stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, microscopic plants that form the base of the marine food chain and produce more than half of the oxygen we breathe.

Additionally, when whales die, their massive bodies sink to the seafloor, creating whale falls—a phenomenon where their carcasses provide food and habitat for deep-sea organisms for decades. In this way, whales help sustain life from the ocean’s surface to its deepest depths.

Whales also play a role in climate regulation. By supporting phytoplankton growth, they enhance the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In fact, a 2019 study estimated that restoring whale populations could significantly increase carbon sequestration, helping mitigate climate change.

Threats Facing Whales Today

Despite their ecological importance, whales are under constant threat from human activities:

1. Ship Strikes

Collisions with large vessels are one of the leading causes of mortality for whales. These incidents often occur in busy shipping lanes where whales migrate or feed.

Case Study: North Atlantic Right Whales

The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale is highly susceptible to ship strikes due to its coastal habitat and surface-feeding behavior. Collisions with vessels are a leading cause of mortality for this species, hindering its recovery. A 2024 study highlighted that more than 95% of hotspots for whale-ship collisions are near coastlines, emphasizing the need for protective measures in these areas.

2. Entanglement in Fishing Gear

Whales can become entangled in nets, ropes, and other fishing equipment, leading to injury, starvation, or even drowning. Filter-feeding species who forage alongside fisheries are especially vulnerable.

Case Study: Maui’s North Pacific Humpback Whales

Humpback whales are frequently entangled in fishing gear, leading to injuries or death. According to a recent 2023 report from NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, intervention teams successfully disentangled 14 humpback whales in Maui’s waters. This impressive statistic not only reflects the commitment of conservationists but also underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to protect these whales.

3. Climate Change

Warming oceans and shifting currents are altering the distribution of prey species, forcing whales to travel further to find food. Melting sea ice is also impacting species like belugas and bowhead whales, which rely on icy habitats.

Case Study: Beluga Whales in the Arctic

In the rapidly changing Arctic environment, beluga whales are facing unprecedented challenges as a direct result of climate change. NOAA highlights that altered prey abundance in regions such as the Beaufort Sea is correlating with increased stress and unusual mortality events among local beluga populations. The rapid loss of sea ice not only disrupts their traditional habitat but also exposes these whales to increased risks from human activities, such as vessel traffic and industrial disturbances.

4. marine Pollution

Marine pollution, including chemical toxins and plastics, poses a severe threat to whales. Ingesting plastic can block their digestive systems, while chemical pollutants accumulate in their bodies, affecting reproduction and immune systems.

Case Study: Western Gray Whales near Sakhalin Island

The International Whaling Commission notes Western Gray whales face threats from offshore oil and gas development near their feeding grounds off northeast Sakhalin Island, Russia. Activities such as seismic surveying (using the echo from explosive pressure to find offshore oil) and underwater drilling increase the risk of oil spills and chemical pollution, which can harm whales and their prey. 

Case Study: Fin Whales of the Mediterranean Sea

In the Mediterranean, cetaceans face significant threats from marine debris, particularly plastic waste. One documented case involved a necropsy (autopsy) of a stranded fin whale off the Italian coast. Researchers found that the whale’s gastrointestinal tract was heavily laden with plastic debris—including fragments of bags and other plastic items—which led to a blockage and internal injuries that ultimately contributed to its death.

5. Noise Pollution

Increased underwater noise from ships, military sonar, and industrial activities disrupts whale communication, navigation, and feeding. For species like orcas and sperm whales, which rely heavily on echolocation, this can be devastating.

Case Study: Southern Resident Orcas in the Salish Sea

The Southern Resident orca population in the Salish Sea is highly sensitive to underwater noise from shipping lanes and heavy tourism. Noise pollution disrupts their communication and echolocation, essential for hunting and bonding. To mitigate this, a new law effective January 1, 2025, mandates a 100-meter approach distance to reduce stress and minimize human impact on their natural behaviors.

How We Can Help on World Whale Day?

Despite the numerous threats facing whales today, there is PLENTY of ways you can help protect them too! Check out these 8 easy solutions to get started:

1. Support Responsible Tourism

Choose eco-friendly whale-watching tours that follow guidelines to minimize disturbance to whales. Responsible operators maintain safe distances, adhere to speed limits and prioritize the well-being of the animals over profits.

Example: Certified operators such as the Pacific Whale Foundation in Maui, Hawai‘i follow strict guidelines to minimize disturbances to whales and emphasize education and respect for marine life, such as maintaining proper viewing distances and reducing engine noise.

2. Advocate for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

MPAs provide safe habitats for whales to feed, breed, and migrate without human interference. Advocate for the expansion of these areas, particularly in critical habitats.

Example: Sign petitions or write to your local representatives in support of expanding MPAs, like the proposed expansion of the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary in southern California. Participate in public hearings or comment periods for new MPA proposals in your region.

3. Reduce Plastic Use

Cut down on single-use plastics and ensure proper waste management in your area to reduce the risk of marine debris. Participate in beach cleanups and support legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution.

Example: Switch to reusable every-day items such as metal straws, bamboo travel cutlery, cloth grocery bags, and refillable water bottles. Participate in a local beach cleanup, such as those organized by the Surfrider Foundation, to directly remove plastic waste from known whale habitats.

4. Raise Awareness

Share interesting facts and stories about whales with friends and family, or on social media to educate others about their importance and the threats they face. Join events, webinars, or workshops on World Whale Day to learn more and spread the word.

Example: Share impactful whale conservation stories on social media, like the successful rebound of humpback whale populations in certain regions due to conservation efforts. Use hashtags like #WorldWhaleDay or #ProtectWhales to join global conversations and amplify awareness.

5. Support Organizations Dedicated to Whale Conservation

Donate to or volunteer with groups like the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), Ocean Alliance, or Pacific Whale Foundation. These organizations work tirelessly to protect whales and their habitats around the world.

Example: Donate to organizations supporting whale conservation or symbolically adopt a whale through programs offered by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Many organizations provide personalized updates on your adopted whale, creating a lasting connection to conservation efforts.

6. Advocate for Reduced Noise Pollution

Push for stricter regulations on shipping lanes, encourage the use of quieter ship technologies, advocate for slower speed limits in known whale habitats, and support research on mitigating underwater noise.

Example: Support initiatives like the Ocean Care’s “Quiet Zones" campaign, which encourages the shipping industry to adopt quieter ship technologies. Sign petitions advocating for reduced vessel speeds in key whale habitats, such as the Salish Sea, to minimize noise and ship strikes.

7. Eat Sustainably

Choose sustainably sourced seafood to reduce overfishing, a major threat to the prey species whales depend on. Look for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Example: Use resources like the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch to choose ocean-friendly seafood options when grocery shopping or dining in restaurants. Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label when purchasing seafood, ensuring it comes from sustainable and responsibly managed fisheries.

8. Participate in Citizen Science

Join programs that monitor whale populations and behavior, such as Happywhale or citizen science initiatives like iNaturalist. Your contributions can help researchers better understand and protect these creatures!

Example: Join projects like Happywhale, where you can submit photos of whale flukes to help track individuals and contribute to population studies. Platforms like iNaturalist also allow you to report whale sightings, which can aid researchers and inform conservation efforts.

A Call to Action

World Whale Day is much more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of our responsibility to protect these beautiful animals and the oceans they inhabit! Whales are key players in maintaining the health of our planet, and their conservation benefits all life on Earth. By taking action—whether it’s reducing plastic use, supporting marine protected areas, or advocating for sustainable seafood—we can help ensure a future where whales thrive!

If you’re inspired to learn more, check out our related blog, “A Complete Guide to Winter Whale Watching in 2025: Where to Go, What to Expect & How to Prepare” and start planning your next adventure to witness these incredible animals in the wild!

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