2009 National Geographic-Kingdom of the Blue Whale 1080P for Gift 1-Disc All RegionPlay Seal Box Blu-ray

Plot Summary

The blue whale (scientific name: Balaenoptera musculus) is a marine mammal belonging to the suborder of baleen whales. Blue whales are considered to be the largest animals that have ever lived on Earth, measuring up to 33 meters in length and weighing 181 tons. Until the early 20th century, there were a considerable number of blue whales in almost every sea area around the world. After more than 40 years, the hunting by whalers almost wiped them out. It was not until the international community began conserving blue whales in 1966 that their population gradually increased. A 2002 report estimated that there are currently between 5000 and 12000 blue whales in the world, distributed across at least five populations. Recent research on dwarf blue whales suggests that this number may underestimate the actual population. Before whaling began, the largest population of blue whales was in the Antarctic waters, estimated to be around 239000 (ranging between 202000 and 311000). At present, the number of them in the Northeast Pacific, Antarctic Sea, and Indian Ocean has decreased significantly compared to before (only about 2000 each). There are two larger groups in the North Atlantic and at least two groups in the Southern Hemisphere.