In the northeastern Atlantic the total population of minke whales is estimated to be in the order of 103,000 (95% confidence interval, IWC Scientific Committee 2008.)[
citation needed]
Recent genetic studies of Antarctic minke whales indicate that the current population is likely to be lower than, or equal to historical levels. According to Ruegg et al’s analyses, the long-term population size of the Antarctic minke whale is estimated at 670,000 individuals
[8]. The authors also argue that '
“The research suggests that direct competition for food is not keeping the [other species] large whale populations from recovering".
Final circumpolar estimates from the IWC IDCR/SOWER population surveys (1978/79-2003/04) were 338,000 — only 39% of the 1985/86-1990/91 surveys.
[9] As of January, 2010, The IWC states that it is "unable to provide reliable estimates at the present time" and that a "major review is underway by the Scientific Committee."
[10]
As of 2008, one estimate submitted to the IWC Scientific Committee by Japanese Government researchers suggested that for Southern Hemisphere (CPIII with common Northern Boundaries) is 665,074.
[11] In the early 1990s the
International Whaling Commission (IWC) Scientific Committee agreed that minkes in the Southern Hemisphere numbered 760,000 (CPII), which the Japanese whaling industry currently uses as the (2005) estimate.[
citation needed] In 2000, however, the Committee withdrew this advice in light of new survey data suggesting 50% lower population than in the 1980s
[12].
The
IUCN Red List labels the northern species as Least Concern and the southern as Data Deficient.
CITES on the other hand, list both of the species in Appendix I (threatened) with the exception of the West Greenland stock, which is given in Appendix II (trade controls required). The dwarf minke whale (
B. acutorostrata subspecies) has no population estimate, and its conservation status is categorised as "data deficient"..
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