"Man might carve his identification mark on the earth but, once he ceases to be vigilant, Nature will take back what man had once achieved to please his vanity".
-The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
Many ancient cultures have thought of whales as spiritual and divine beings-- a revered bridge between the tangible world and spiritual realm. Others have seen them as colossal sea monsters capable of swallowing whole boats and conjuring storms with a single breech. Today, they are a highly researched mammal that many scientists believe hold the key to understanding the natural history of the ocean and its inhabitants.
Because of the longevity of whales inhabiting the earth, studying the humpback whale's feeding habits evolution can help identify how man has affected the oceans. With conservation efforts in place and the lack of human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of human activity and lack of activity can be contrasted in terms of whale behavior.
FUN FACTS
Humpback whales can migrate over 5,000 miles and can be tracked by anyone with an app called "Whale Alert"
Every humpback whale has a unique marking on its tail that can be used to identify it
Male Humpback whales are known for their complex songs that can last for hours. Whales that are from similar areas have similar songs signifying it to be a cultural behavior
Humpback whales have the longest pectoral fin of any whale! Additionally, every whale has a unique pattern on its fluke, which allows them to be identified easier as well
Drawings done in est. 1459 (unknown), 1843 (Robert Hamilton), and 2018 (Michelle Jirensky)