The only responsible way to "manage" whale populations is to let them repopulate for at least a hundred years, probably more. IIRC their populations are still way below pre-whaling levels, with some weird knock-on effects.
Is it even realistic to expect similar population counts when the context of the ocean is so different today? What of the distribution of nutrients between now and then? Do these nutrients even make it to the right level in the food web at sufficient levels to support such a whale population today?
Is it even realistic to expect similar population counts when the context of the ocean is so different today? What of the distribution of nutrients between now and then? Do these nutrients even make it to the right level in the food web at sufficient levels to support such a whale population today?