Back in the 20th century, we decided that whale oil was the best thing ever for lamp fuel, margarine, and even explosives. (Yeah, margarine and dynamite — same source. You’re welcome.) Commercial whaling fleets went after blues with harpoon guns and exploding tips.
By the 1960s, we had wiped out 90% of their population. That’s like going from a stadium full of fans to a handful of people in the nosebleed section. The International Whaling Commission banned hunting in 1966, but the damage was done — their numbers never bounced back the way you’d hope.
And here’s the kicker: they still face threats from countries that claim “scientific research” whaling. Yeah, right. Science doesn’t need to eat whale bacon.
