Ships Are Deadly Hazard to Whales, Studies Find
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Although only two nations continue to hunt whales, the giants of the oceans still face a threat from humans--being struck by ships.
About 20% to 35% of whales found dead show signs of having been struck by ships, more in some species, recent studies found.
Right whales in the western North Atlantic appear to have been especially hard hit. Their population is estimated at 300 to 325.
Prized for their oil, right whales were heavily hunted in the past. They were named because they were considered the right whale to hunt.
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