Photo: Humpback Whales Bounce Back Due to Global Conservation

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The population of the humpback whale (above, in an undated photo) is up to nearly 20,000 animals in the Pacific, after hitting a low of 1,400 in 1966, a comprehensive new survey has found.

A 1996 ban on hunting the mammals, as well as other conservation efforts, have contributed to their rebound, experts say.

Photograph courtesy NOAA/HIHWNMS

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