"U.S. Lifts Protection For Most Humpback Whales"

"The United States lifted protection for most humpback whales around the globe on Tuesday, including some in American waters, based on evidence they have made a strong comeback since commercial whaling drove them to near extinction.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration removed humpback whales from the Endangered Species Act in nine of 14 population areas, the agency said in a statement.

"Today’s news is a true ecological success story," said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries.

The stripping of safeguards under the act means U.S. ships and commercial fishermen in international waters will no longer be bound to check levels of underwater noise that could constitute harassment of the whales, while vessel strikes that kill or injure the humpbacks might not be closely tracked."

Brendan O'Brien reports for Reuters September 7, 2016.