Whales adored by New Yorkers, in danger due to heavy maritime traffic (AFP report)

An AFP report, cited by France24, highlights the return of humpback whales to the navigable waters of New York, a phenomenon that brings joy to nature lovers. After being nearly extinct due to hunting, whales have begun to thrive in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts.

Carl LoBue, the ocean director of The Nature Conservancy, emphasizes that whale watching has become a norm, unlike in the past when it was a rare event.

The New York Harbor, once a simple passage for whales, has now become a favorable habitat, thanks to regulations that protect the environment.

However, heavy maritime traffic poses a danger to these mammals, and authorities intend to introduce safety measures to prevent collisions with ships.

Whales, which can weigh between 30 and 40 tons, feed on abundant fish, but the risks remain significant.