Humpback Whale 'Supergroups' Indicate Population Recovery Amidst New Threats
A significant gathering of nearly 300 humpback whales, termed a 'supergroup', was observed off the west coast of South Africa by Chris and Monique Fallows. This phenomenon is a positive sign of the species' recovery following the 1986 international ban on whale hunting. The Fallows documented the event, noting the large number of whales in one area, which they likened to a 'Manhattan skyline' of whale breath plumes. This sighting is considered one of the largest groups of humpback whales recorded, according to Happywhale, an organization that tracks whale populations through citizen science. The resurgence of humpback whales, from fewer than 10,000 to over 100,000, is seen as a major conservation success. However, the increase in shipping traffic around South Africa, exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, poses new risks to these marine mammals. 
