Whale Protection

For years, several species of whale have been close to extinction. While organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund have worked hard to reduce the perils, endangered whales are still at risk. With the oil spill in the Gulf still in our sights, having just occurred April 20^th of this year, the threats to whale species have risen considerably; particularly for the Sperm Whale.Oil spills are lethal for all marine life. Ocean creatures suffer from oil soaked skin, which not only affects their body temperatures but also their ability to breathe. Other risks include ruined eating abilities (due to swallowing the oil) and a lack of sun reaching the underwater life forms that depend on it (such as plants). Whales have to come up for air, making the threats of an oil spill similar to that of other marine life. Whales are in particular jeopardy of drowning, lung inhalation, reduced food supplies, and severe damages to their habitats.A group of Sperm Whales residing in the Gulf have scientists extremely concerned. Already an endangered species, this latest spill has life-threatening consequences. In an article written by the National Geographic, scientists have remarked that “if the Gulf of Mexico oil spill kills just three sperm whales, it could seriously endanger the long-term survival of the Gulf’s native whale population.”The article continues, stating that since the whales are so immersed in the Gulf, exposure is inevitable. However, scientists aren’t sure just what the damage is. Any whales that have been fatally wounded are likely to be at the oceans depths, and thus, undetectable. Unless a Sperm whale finds its way to a local shore (and someone reports the finding) scientists won’t know what damage has been done.For more on the Gulf spill, and its affect on sperm whales, read the article here.