Māori scientist Daniel Hikuroa reflects on an Indigenous-led declaration recognizing whales as legal persons, challenging the foundations of ocean governance.By Katie SurmaAs governments struggle to halt biodiversity loss and protect the world’s oceans using legal systems largely built by and for nation-states, Indigenous leaders are advancing a radically different vision—one that treats whales not as resources to be managed, but as living ancestors with rights of their own.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: February 24, 2026 10:22 PM
Atmospheric CO₂
429.9 ppm
+17.3
ppm/year
Atmospheric CH₄
1946.47 ppb
+6.49
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year