Sightings of humpback whales surge in Rio de Janeiro, fueling demand for whale-watching trips

Humpback whale sightings off Rio de Janeiro's coast have surged as their population recovers from commercial whaling, boosting demand for whale-watching trips. The species' population has grown from 2,000 to 35,000 in 40 years, with a 1982 international whaling ban credited for their recovery. Scientific expeditions and tourism initiatives, including trips led by biologists, now highlight conservation efforts and the whales' migration patterns.