Source link : https://asia-news.biz/asia/sri-lanka/blue-whale-decline-sri-lanka-climate-human-impact/
The majestic blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, is facing a troubling decline off the coast of Sri Lanka, according to a recent report by Mongabay. Researchers attribute this alarming trend to a combination of climate change and increasing human activities, including shipping traffic and fishing operations. The findings underscore growing concerns about the survival of blue whales in the region’s increasingly fragile marine ecosystem, prompting calls for urgent conservation action to safeguard these iconic giants.
Blue Whale Populations in Sri Lanka Face Sharp Decline Amid Rising Ocean Temperatures
Recent surveys conducted off the southern coast of Sri Lanka reveal a worrying trend: the number of blue whales, the largest animals on Earth, has significantly dropped over the past decade. Researchers attribute this decline primarily to rising sea surface temperatures, which disrupt the delicate marine ecosystem these giants depend on. As ocean waters warm, the availability of krill – the blue whales’ main food source – diminishes, forcing the mammals to travel greater distances with reduced feeding success. This environmental stress is compounded by increased human maritime activity, including shipping traffic and fishing operations, which pose direct threats through ship strikes and entanglement in gear.
Key factors impacting blue whale populations:
- Ocean warming: Alters prey distribution and abundance
- Increased shipping lanes: Heightens risk of…
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Author : Ethan Riley
Publish date : 2025-06-09 01:29:00
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