Preservation is priority. In 1986, the IWC declared a moratorium on commercial whaling, hoping to allow whale populations to recover. The IWC has no means by which to enforce the moratorium, however, and whaling nations sometimes threaten to disregard it. The main objective of the MMPA is to maintain the stability of marine mammal populations and marine ecosystems. See Whale Species Populations and Status table.
Zoological parks respond.
Scientists are working diligently to develop breeding techniques in zoological parks. Their objective is to preserve small whale species that face extinction. Toward that end, the study of whales and dolphins in zoological parks is a valuable research tool. Physiological, reproductive, and growth rate data may eventually prove to be significant in preserving endangered species. Future survival looks uncertain for some whale species, but we have seen glimmers of hope.