This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: More than 40 years after the end of commercial whaling, new research reveals a recent increase in sightings of the world's two largest whale species in the southeastern Atlantic. The findings, published in the African Journal of Marine Science, compiled more than 60 years of confirmed sightings and strandings from Namibia and South Africa's west coast.
Although overall numbers remain low, sightings of both species have increased markedly in recent years—with 95% of observations recorded since 2012. "Our results provide important evidence that these giants of the ocean are slowly recovering from the devastating impact of 20th century commercial whaling, which pushed them to the brink of extinction," says lead author Dr. Bridget James, from the Center for Statistics in Ecology, Environment and Conservation at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
"Sightings remain rare, but they are becoming more frequent than in previous decades—and with sustained protection, there is reason to believe this recovery can continue." The study focused on Antarctic blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia) and fin whales (B. physalus quoyi), both heavily targeted during the industrial whaling era. Between 1913 and 1978, an estimated 350,000 blue whales and 725,000 fin whales were killed, causing dramatic global population declines. Today, Antarctic blue whales are still listed as "Critically Endangered" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Their population is currently estimated at around 3% of the pre-whaling numbers, increasing slowly at about 5–8% per year. Fin whales are currently classified as "Vulnerable", with populations thought to have recovered to more than 30% of historical levels and growing at around 4–5% annually. Despite these signs of improvement, both species remain difficult to study as they roam vast distances and spend much of their lives in remote Antarctic waters.
Data from migration routes and potential breeding grounds—including the southeastern Atlantic—has been particularly limited. "Historic whaling data suggests that the southeast Atlantic may once have been an important nursery area for both blue and fin whales," adds Dr. James, whose research focuses on the ecology of whales and dolphins.
"But until now, we have had very little consolidated information on their more recent presence in this region." To address this gap, the researchers compiled verified sightings and strandings recorded between 1964 and March 2025, focusing on the Benguela upwelling ecosystem—a nutrient-rich region off Namibia and the west coast of South Africa—to better understand trends in presence and seasonality. Blue whales were recorded infrequently, with 12 sightings, one stranding and five additional published records. Fin whales were encountered more often, with 76 sightings and six strandings documented.
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