World Whale and Dolphin Day (23/07)

Every year on July 23, World Whale and Dolphin Day is celebrated.

This holiday was established in 1986, when the ban on whaling introduced on July 23, 1982 by the International Whaling Commission came into force. International Whaling Commission — IWC), after 200 years of merciless extermination of whales. The ban is still in effect today and means that whale hunting and the trade in whale meat are prohibited all over the world.

However, whaling — is not the only threat to these animals. Another of the main factors in the disappearance of whales, dolphins and other marine mammals — is their capture for dolphinariums, aquariums and circuses.

Therefore, today is considered a day of protection not only for whales, but also for all marine mammals.

Every year on this day, various conservation groups and organizations hold actions and demonstrations in defense of whales and other marine mammals. Often environmentalists unite and devote this day to protecting one unique species that is in mortal danger or extinction.

This day is of particular importance for Russia, since several dozen species of whales, dolphins and seals live in the seas of the Russian Federation. Many of them are endangered and listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

It is noteworthy that July 23 — is not the only date; many countries establish national whale days. For example, Australia, starting in 2008, decided to celebrate National Whale Day on the first Saturday of June, and in America, World Whale Day is traditionally celebrated during the summer solstice — on June 21.

It should be noted that there is another date for World Whale and Dolphin Day — events in February, which marks World Marine Mammal Day (Whale Day).

Today is considered a day of protection not only for whales, but also for all marine mammals (Photo: izanbar, licensed by depositphotos.com)

For information The Earth's seas and oceans were explored by marine mammals long before the advent of humans. Finds by paleontologists confirm the existence of whales and seals 26 million years ago. Cetaceans (Cetacea) – are an order of aquatic mammals that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises.

killer whales are called the largest carnivorous dolphins; they can swim at speeds of up to 50 km/h. These black-and-white beauties can have 40 to 60 teeth, with teeth measuring about 13 cm long, allowing them to easily hunt and eat other smaller marine life.

Dolphins – are marine mammals that belong to the suborder of toothed whales. There are a total of 47 species in the world. Dolphins live in flocks, they are very friendly creatures. There are known cases when dolphins saved drowning people.

Beluga whales are the only representatives of cetaceans that are able to express emotions using facial expressions. As they age, their skin color changes. Beluga whales are born dark blue, the field of the year becomes gray-blue and gray, individuals over 3-5 years old – are pure white (hence the name). The maximum body length of a beluga whale is up to 6 meters. The largest males weigh up to 2 tons, females – up to 1.5 tons.

Blue whale – is the largest creature on Earth, its length can reach 35 meters and its weight – 200 tons. Whales have given people a lot: whalebone and spermaceti, whale oil and bone meal. And recently, doctors have become seriously interested in studying whales. Whale – is a wonderful symbol of life at sea, large and powerful, but at the same time very defenseless. And it's important to remember this…



Infographics – poster «July 23 — World Whale and Dolphin Day»

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