Whaling's Impact on Genetic Diversity Revealed in Study

A study from Oregon State University has found that commercial whaling in the 20th century has led to a loss of genetic diversity in surviving whale populations, specifically the maternal lineage of blue and humpback whales. Researchers compared DNA from whale bones found near abandoned whaling stations to present-day whales and discovered a significant decline in maternal DNA lineages. The loss of these lineages may result in the disappearance of cultural knowledge passed down through generations. While whales have started to return to the region since the end of commercial whaling, the long-term effects may still be felt as some whales alive today may have experienced the whaling era. Continued monitoring and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the recovery and preservation of these populations.