Blue Whale Toy
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History
Whales were once far more abundant than they are today. Current estimates place the population between 10,000 and 25,000 animals, after extensive whaling in the twentieth century caused a loss of perhaps 350,000 animals. In 1966, the International Whaling Commission brought about their protection. Since then, local populations have stabilized and seen very modest increases, but worldwide numbers remain low. The International Whaling Commission continues to work extensively on whale conservation, including whaling regulations, and efforts to diminish the effects of entrapment, stranding, and ship strikes.
