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Sanctuaries for Whales

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A whale sanctuary is a designated area of ocean in which whales -- including severely depleted and/or vulnerable species -- can find a safe refuge from human threats to their survival.

A sanctuary may protect whales in their feeding grounds, breeding areas and/or along their migratory routes.  Governments focus on sanctuaries as places where they can address the ever-increasing list of threats to whale populations.


What is a Whale Sanctuary?
Sanctuaries Established under the International Whaling Commission
The Southern Ocean Sanctuary
National and Regional Whale Sanctuaries

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A close-up view of three sperm whales swimming through the crystal blue waters of the North Atlantic Ocean near the Azores. 写真 © IFAW