History of Whale in Timeline

Whales are a diverse group of marine mammals within the Cetacea infraorder, excluding dolphins and porpoises in informal terms. They are closely related to hippopotamuses, diverging approximately 54 million years ago. The whale parvorders, baleen whales (Mysticeti) and toothed whales (Odontoceti), share a common ancestor from around 34 million years ago. Mysticeti includes families like Balaenopteridae and Balaenidae, while Odontoceti includes Monodontidae and Physeteridae, as well as dolphin and porpoise families. All are part of the Cetartiodactyla order, which consists of even-toed ungulates.

1946: International Whaling Commission (IWC) Moratorium Placed

In 1946, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) placed a moratorium, limiting the annual whale catch. Since then, yearly profits for these "subsistence" hunters have been close to US$31 million (£20m) per year.

1946: International Whaling Commission Moratorium

In 1946, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) placed a moratorium, which set a catch limit for each country, to combat the steep decline in whale populations. This moratorium initially excluded aboriginal groups until 2004.

1960: Navy Carries Out Program to Study Marine Mammal Abilities

In 1960, the Navy carried out a program to study marine mammals' abilities with sonar, to improve the detection of underwater objects.

1970: Recording of "Song with a Humpback Whale" and "And God Created Great Whales" Release

In 1970, the recording of Song with a Humpback Whale by a team of marine scientists became popular. Also in 1970, Alan Hovhaness's orchestral composition And God Created Great Whales was released, and includes the recorded sounds of humpback and bowhead whales.

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1975: Use of Belugas in Navy Program

From 1975, the Navy used a large number of belugas in their marine mammal program, with the first being dolphins.

1982: International Whaling Commission Moratorium

In 1982, The International Whaling Commission (IWC) placed a moratorium which set a catch limit for each country, excluding aboriginal groups until 2004, due to steep decline in whale populations.

1992: Navy Carries Out Program to Study Marine Mammal Abilities

Between 1960 and 1992, the Navy carried out a program that included the study of marine mammals' abilities with sonar.

1992: Capture of Belugas Banned in Canada

In 1992, capture of belugas was banned in Canada.

2000: Whale Hunting by Norway and Japan

Around 2000 B.C., people from Norway and Japan began hunting whales for their meat and blubber. These aboriginal groups also used baleen for baskets or roofing, and made tools and masks out of bones.

2003: Publication of "The Snail and the Whale"

In 2003, "The Snail and the Whale", a children's book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, featuring a whale, was published.

2004: End of Exclusion for Aboriginal Groups from IWC Moratorium

In 2004, the exclusion of aboriginal groups from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium ended, setting catch limits for them as well.

2004: IWC Moratorium Exclusion Ends for Aboriginal Groups

In 2004, the exclusion of aboriginal groups from the International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium ended, thus setting catch limits for those groups as well.

2006: Beluga Whale Statistics in Captivity

As of 2006, there were 30 belugas in Canada and 28 in the United States, with 42 deaths reported in captivity up to that time.

2007: Discovery of Elongated Spindle Neurons in Whale Neocortex

In 2007, it was discovered that the neocortex of many whale species contains elongated spindle neurons, previously only known in hominids. These cells, found in brain areas homologous to those in humans, are believed to play a similar role in social conduct, emotions, judgment, and theory of mind, marking a significant discovery in understanding whale intelligence.

2008: Sperm Whales Sleep in Vertical Postures

In 2008, a study revealed that sperm whales sleep in vertical postures just beneath the surface in passive shallow drift-dives, typically during the day. During these dives, the whales exhibit minimal response to passing vessels unless direct contact occurs, suggesting sleep during these periods.

2008: Global Whale Watching Industry Numbers

In 2008, an estimated 13 million people globally participated in whale watching, excluding the Arctic Ocean. The industry generated US$2.1 billion in tourism revenue and employed about 13,000 workers worldwide.

2010: Whales as Positive Influence to Ocean Fisheries Productivity

In 2010, a study introduced the concept of a "whale pump", recognizing whales as a positive influence on ocean fisheries' productivity. Whales transport nutrients, such as nitrogen, from the ocean depths to the surface through their excrement. This reverses a prior assumption and acts as an upward biological pump, significantly enriching surface waters. The nitrogen input in the Gulf of Maine from whales surpasses the combined input of all rivers emptying into the gulf, totaling about 23,000 metric tons annually. Whale feces are rich in iron and nitrogen which phytoplankton feed off, making whales a crucial part of the ocean ecosystem.

2013: Chile: Country with Most Registered Fatal Whale-Ship Collisions

In 2013, Chile became the country in the world with the most registered fatal whale-ship collisions.

2015: Aboriginal Whale Hunting Allowances

In 2015, aboriginal communities are allowed to take 280 bowhead whales off Alaska and two from the western coast of Greenland, 620 grey whales off Washington state, three common minke whales off the eastern coast of Greenland and 178 on their western coast, 10 fin whales from the west coast of Greenland, nine humpback whales from the west coast of Greenland and 20 off St. Vincent and the Grenadines each year.

2020: Cetacean Species at Risk

As of 2020, the International Whaling Commission Scientific Committee recognizes at least 86 cetacean species. Six are considered at risk: the North Atlantic right whale is ranked "Critically Endangered," blue whale, North Pacific right whale, and sei whale are "Endangered," and fin whale and sperm whale are "Vulnerable".