Thanks to a 1986 international moratorium on commercial whaling, populations of one of the world's most beloved animal, the humpback whale, have rebounded.  While estimates put the humpback's numbers at around 30,000, much better than the historic low of 1,000 in 1960, officials still consider the whale to be at high risk of extinction.  Japan is about to test that assertion by conducting an organized hunt, under the guise of scientific research, to harvest fifty humpbacks along with 1,400 whales among seven species.

Japan has been one of the most outspoken, and rebellious opponents of the whaling moratorium, filing protest after protest and claiming whaling as an important part of its culture.   Japan has actually been conducting these "research" hunts for nearly 20 years, but this is the first time they have targeted the endangered humpback.  Supporters of the humpback believe that this hunt is a way for Japan to test the resolve of conservation groups and those who protest whaling.  If there is little or no protest of this hunt, the flood gates may open, leaving Japan to harvest the endangered humpback to historic lows yet again.

Listen to their haunting songs.

Breaking news: Australia may use military forces to monitor Japan's whale hunt.