Commercial Whaling Linked to Decline in Genetic Diversity, Study Finds

DNA analysis of whale bones found on South Georgia Island, a former whaling hub, reveals a loss of maternal DNA lineages among blue and humpback whales, indicating a lasting impact on the genetic diversity of today's surviving whale populations. The study suggests that commercial whaling in the 20th century not only decimated whale populations but also erased cultural memories associated with feeding and breeding locations. The findings highlight the importance of preserving genetic information from whales and understanding the history of these populations to aid conservation efforts.