Humpback whales were a targeted species during the commercial whale era of the early 20th century, effectively reducing their worldwide population size to an estimated 10 percent of their original numbers. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) ended commercial whaling for humpbacks in all six management areas in Antarctic waters in 1963-1964 because the species was deemed commercially extinct; i.e., no longer profitable to hunt because population sizes were too low. Unfortunately, illegal hunting in Antarctica still occurred both prior to and after the IWC moratorium was installed and still occurs today (recent genetic evidence has revealed humpback whale meat present in Asian fish markets, confirming that illegal hunting still exists). Humpback whales are now listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of the United States and listed as vulnerable by the International Union on the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Although legally protected by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act, they have yet to recover from near extirpation. Several new threats to these animals have also surfaced in the last few decades. The destabilization of marine food webs in the Southern Ocean (as a result of human activity) threatens the availability of food resources upon which humpback whales are dependant. Many humpbacks die each year from entanglement in fishing gear. Climate change and pollution are threatening critical habitat areas utilized by these animals. Now, more than ever, it is imperative to learn more on the status of this animal in Antarctic waters, the role they play in the Antarctic food web and the level to which they are currently affected by human activities. By increasing our understanding of these animals, we can better identify, manage and conserve habitats for these animals in the Southern Ocean.

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