Humpback whales, among the largest and most awe-inspiring animals on Earth, were once driven to the brink of extinction. Since 1977, Sea Shepherd has been at the forefront of efforts to protect these gentle giants. From intercepting whaling ships to safeguarding their critical food sources, our tireless work ensures that humpback whales can thrive throughout their entire life cycle and throughout their remarkable journey around the world..
Protecting the Entire Life Cycle
Each year, humpback whales embark on incredible migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers between polar feeding grounds and tropical breeding waters. These migrations are not just a spectacle of nature; they are vital for transporting nutrients across ocean regions, contributing to the health of marine ecosystems. There are threats to their habitats, as well as to the krill that they feed on, and Sea Shepherd is determined to protect them every step of the way.
The Grave Threats They Face
Despite significant recovery, humpback whales remain under constant threat. Entanglement in fishing gear often leads to slow, painful deaths. Ship collisions result in gruesome injuries and fatalities. Noise pollution disrupts their communication and navigation, causing disorientation and stress. Most alarmingly, the depletion of krill—their primary food source—due to overfishing and climate change, threatens their very survival.
Sea Shepherd’s Relentless Efforts
For over four decades, Sea Shepherd has fought tirelessly to protect humpback whales from these relentless threats. Our campaigns have involved intercepting illegal whaling vessels, documenting violations, confronting poachers, and lobbying for stricter whaling regulations. We have established and enforced marine protected areas (MPAs) to safeguard critical habitats, mitigating threats such as habitat degradation, pollution, and overfishing.
Our teams work in some of the most hostile environments on Earth, facing dangerous conditions and adversaries determined to continue their destructive practices. Despite these challenges, we have achieved significant victories, but the fight is far from over.
Join the Fight
Our relentless efforts have made a difference, but we need your help to continue this vital work. By supporting Sea Shepherd, you are directly contributing to the protection of humpback whales and the preservation of our oceans.
Help us protect the humpback whale and support our mission. Visit seashepherd.org/dac to get involved. Your support makes a difference in this urgent fight for the survival of one of the ocean’s most magnificent creatures. Let’s ensure that future generations can witness the awe-inspiring sight of humpback whales thriving in their natural habitat.
