A heartening story from the IHT about how right whales seem poised for a comeback. Once hunted to near extinction, apparently only 100 or so remained off the coasts of North America by 1900. This article provides a good history and overview of what the situation is like today, with conservation efforts having pushed the population back up towards 400 or so.
"Actually, it's one of so many good signs that researchers are beginning to hope that for the first time in centuries things are looking up for the right whale. They say the species offers proof that simple conservation steps can have a big impact, even for species driven to the edge of oblivion." (full article here.)
It also touches on the difficultly when we try to evaluate conservation programs through strictly economic terms. As mentioned in the article, the conservation efforts cost a lot of money. Is it worth it? I would argue that considering we benefited so greatly from the harvesting of these animals in the 1800s, it's only right that we put money into protecting them now. But, in a less guilt-ridden way of looking at things, what is the cost of losing one of nature's creatures forever? And an amazingly majestic, awe-inspiring one at that?
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