During the 19th and early 20th centuries, commercial whaling brought humpback whales to the brink of extinction, reducing their population by 95%. Considered a valuable source of oil, meat, and fat, these giants of the ocean were systematically hunted worldwide.
However, the international ban on their hunting, implemented in the late 20th century, marked a turning point for the species. Thanks to global conservation efforts, humpback whales began slowly recovering their numbers, now offering a hopeful image in the oceans.
To document this resurgence, the photographer and conservationist Chris Fallows embarked on a high-sea expedition with CNN. His goal: to capture the majesty and behavior of one of the planet’s most iconic cetaceans in their natural habitat.
Fallows’ images not only reflect the imposing beauty of humpback whales but also serve as a call to continue protecting marine biodiversity, which still faces threats from pollution, climate change, and illegal fishing.
Where could these giants of the ocean be found?
Although the population has managed to recover from the days of commercial whaling, they now face new dangers. Climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, and collisions with ships are some of the major threats they face.
In this regard, South Africa has laws that prohibit individuals and vessels from approaching whales to less than 300 meters without the corresponding permission. These animals can be found especially on the southern coast of the country during the migration season, which runs from June to December.
During this period, it is also common to see humpback whales with calves, as they use South African waters to give birth and raise their calves. The most outstanding places for their sighting are the southern coast, from Cape Town to Mossel Bay, and the eastern coast.
Source: CNN.
