North Atlantic (click here)
In central and western areas, populations have recovered to perhaps pre-whaling levels and number over 12,000 animals. Less is known about the abundance in eastern regions but almost 5,000 animals are estimated in the Norwegian and Barents Seas. They have been increasing off West Greenland. They are vulnerable to entanglement.
An average-sized humpback whale will eat 4,400-5,500 pounds (2000-2500 kg) of plankton, krill and small, schooling fish each day during the feeding season in cold waters (about 120 days). They eat twice a day. They eat tiny crustaceans (krill - mainly Euphausia superba, copepods, etc.), plankton (ALGAE, BACTERIA, PROTOZOANS, CRUSTACEANS, MOLLUSKS, and COELENTERATES) and small fish (including herring, mackerel, capelin, and sandeel) from the water.
Central America DPS, Western North Pacific DPS
ESA ENDANGERED - FOREIGN
Arabian Sea DPS, Cape Verde Islands/Northwest Africa DPS
ESA THREATENED
Mexico DPS
CITES APPENDIX I
Throughout Its Range
MMPA PROTECTED
Throughout Its Range
MMPA DEPLETED
Western North Pacific stock, Central North Pacific stock, California/Oregon/Washington stock
Map showing locations of the 14 distinct population segments of humpback whales worldwide.
WEIGHT - Up to 40 tons
Lifespan - About 80 to 90 years
LENGTH - Up to 60 feet
THREATS - Entanglement in fishing gear, Vessel strikes, Vessel-based harassment
REGION - Alaska, New England/Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Islands, Southeast, West Coast, Foreign
Before a moratorium on commercial whaling in 1985, (click here) all populations of humpback whales were greatly reduced, some by more than 95 percent. The species is increasing in abundance in much of its range, but faces threats from entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, vessel-based harassment, underwater noise, and habitat impacts.
Humpback whales live in oceans around the world. They travel incredible distances every year and have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Some populations swim 5,000 miles from tropical breeding grounds to colder, productive feeding grounds. Humpback whales feed on krill (small shrimp-like crustaceans) and small fishes by straining huge volumes of ocean water through their baleen plates.
The humpback whale takes its common name from the distinctive hump on its back. Its long pectoral fins inspired its scientific name, Megaptera, which means “big-winged.” Humpback whales are a favorite of whale watchers―they are often active at the water surface, for example, jumping out of the water and slapping the surface with their pectoral fins or tails.
NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to the conservation of humpback whales. Our scientists and partners use a variety of innovative techniques to study, protect, and rescue/disentangle humpback whales. We also work with our partners to ensure that regulations and management plans are in place to reduce entanglement in fishing gear, create safer shipping lanes, and protect habitats....
