Blue and fin whales show signs of recovery in Southeast Atlantic

Researchers have observed an increasing frequency of Antarctic blue whale and southern fin whale sightings off the west coasts of Namibia and South Africa. A study published in the African Journal of Marine Science, analyzing records from May 1964 to March 2025, indicates that these large marine mammals are gradually returning to waters where they were nearly decimated by 20th-century commercial whaling.

The study compiled 12 blue whale sightings and one stranding, alongside 76 fin whale sightings and six strandings. While the absolute numbers remain low, 95 percent of the verified records occurred between 2012 and 2025. Lead author Bridget James of the University of Cape Town noted that while sightings are still rare, they are becoming more frequent than in previous decades.

Experts suggest the trend may reflect a genuine population recovery as whales reoccupy historical ranges, though they caution that increased offshore activity, such as seismic surveys and fisheries monitoring, may also contribute to higher detection rates.