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Humans Killed Nearly 3 Million Whales In The Past Century


Stashed in: Science!, The World, Russia and Friends, Whales

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Whaling is not a sustainable industry.

Whalers killed at least 2.8 million whales in the 20th century, worldwide, according to a new study. The figures are much higher than prior estimates and, for the first time, include accurate whaling numbers from the former Soviet Union.

Humans have been hunting whales for centuries, felling the 20-ton behemoths for their oil, blubber, bones and meat. But scientists believe that 20th century whaling wiped out 90 percent of all blue whales, and decimated countless other whale populations. Some species, such as the minke whale, appear to have recovered; others, like humpback and blue whales, remain close to extinction.

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