Cetaceans were historically abundant around the island as commercial hunts on the island was operating until 1956. Today, numbers of larger whales have disappeared, but even today many species such humpback whale, minke whale, sei whale, and dolphins can be observed close to shores, and scientific surveys have been conducted regularly. Southern right whales were once regular migrants to the Norfolk hence naming the island as the "Middle ground" by whalers, but had been severely depleted by historical hunts, and further by illegal Soviet and Japan whaling, resulting in none of very few, if remnants still live, right whales in these regions along with Lord Howe Island. COUNT 5
QSN1 What used to be abundant in the waters around Norfolk Island? ANS1 Cetaceans QSN2 When did commercial sea hunts on Norfolk Island stop operating? ANS2 1956 QSN3 What are some species of whales that can be seen around Norfolk Island today? ANS3 humpback whale, minke whale, sei whale QSN4 What other species can be seen close to the shores of Norfolk Island? ANS4 dolphins QSN5 What type of whales were once common in Norfolk Island, but hardly any remain today? ANS5 Southern right whales