Are blue whales finally returning to Southern Africa’s Atlantic coast?

Blue whales are appearing more often off Southern Africa’s Atlantic coast, and the trend offers hope after a century of decline.

More people now spend time at sea for work, tourism and research, so interest in marine life has grown. Yet the latest findings suggest the increase reflects more than improved observation.

Scientists believe the sightings could mark the slow return of giants that commercial whaling almost wiped out.

WHY DO WE SEE BLUE WHALES MORE OFTEN?

A study led by Bridget James from the University of Cape Town examined records from 1964 to March 2025 across the Benguela ecosystem. This productive marine region stretches along the west coasts of Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Cold, nutrient-rich waters support large krill populations, and that attracts baleen whales.

Researchers documented 17 sightings of Antarctic blue whales and one stranding during the study period. They also recorded 76 fin whale sightings and six strandings.

Although the numbers remain modest, 95% of all sightings occurred after 2012. That sharp rise points to a notable change rather than a random pattern.

The study suggests the Benguela ecosystem acts as a migration corridor between feeding and breeding grounds. Blue whales appeared mainly from October to December and again during March and April. Fin whales, however, were recorded throughout the year.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SAY ABOUT BLUE WHALES?

Commercial whaling devastated both species between 1913 and 1978. Scientists estimate that about 350 000 Antarctic blue whales and roughly 725 000 fin whales were killed in the Atlantic during that period. Those losses pushed both populations close to extinction.

Current estimates place Antarctic blue whale numbers at only about 3% of their pre-whaling population. Fin whales have recovered further and now exceed 30% of historical levels. Researchers believe both species would need to reach at least 50% of their former abundance before we can consider recovery successful.

Recovery remains slow because these whales mature late and produce few calves. Females also have long intervals between births, so population growth takes decades rather than years.

WHAT CHALLENGES STILL LIE AHEAD?

Scientists caution against celebrating too soon because today’s oceans differ greatly from those before industrial whaling.

Shipping traffic has increased, vessel noise has intensified, and collisions with large ships pose growing risks. Researchers suspect one blue whale found dead off Namibia died after a ship strike.

Marine biologists suggest similar trends have followed the end of commercial whaling elsewhere. More sightings may reflect whales using old migration routes again, rather than a dramatic rise in total numbers.

Even so, the findings offer reason for optimism. Southern Africans have always shared a close connection with the ocean, and these encounters remind us that nature can respond when pressure eases.

Continued monitoring will show whether these giants are truly reclaiming their place along the Atlantic coast. And will keep hope alive for other giants of the ocean to return, too.