> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://metawhales.gitbook.io/themetawhales/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://metawhales.gitbook.io/themetawhales/meet-the-whales/problem-statement.md).

# Problem Statement

Whales are among the historic creatures living in oceans and seas. Whales are amazingly large, with the blue whale being the biggest animal ever known, which can weigh up to 200 tons and grow up to 100 feet long. Unfortunately, whales are at the risk of being wiped out due to factors such as climate change, pollution of their habitats, and other human activities like commercial whaling, fishing, and marine navigation. Some species of whales are endangered and vulnerable. Research has found that more than half of the 13 known great whale species are endangered and highly vulnerable. Reports indicate that as many as 300,000 whales and dolphins die annually as a result of the hunting and other human activities that interfere with them directly or their habitats.

The loss of whales affects human life and our environment in one way or the other. Whales stabilize the marine ecosystem, being at the top of the aquatic food chain. Whales also offset the harmful carbon dioxide gas from the environment, alongside stimulating the economy through tourism—all of these stands to be lost if whales are lost.

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