The first comprehensive genetic study of
humpback whale populations in the North Pacific Ocean has identified five
distinct populations — at the same time a proposal to designate North Pacific
humpbacks as a single «
distinct population segment» is being considered under the Endangered Species Act.
A massive genetic study of
humpback whale populations will help inform ongoing conservation reassessments of
humpback whale populations, and reaffirms the highly
distinct nature of a small, non-migratory
population of
humpback whales living in the Arabian Sea in need on continued protection.