The International Whaling Commission oversees whale conservation rules globally; current spotlight: humpback sightings surge near Rio, reigniting debate on whaling and tourism.
Humpback whales have surged from about 2,000 to 35,000 in roughly 40 years, drawing them into Rio’s Guanabara Bay. Tours with biologists onboard have grown, while researchers study migration patterns and the Abrolhos Bank habitat. A scientific expedition runs June 26–July 9 to map behavior and routes.