Whales are key to marine ecosystems, sustaining nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and ecosystem stability. Historically, intense whaling left them near extinction. Though bans and sanctuaries have helped some populations recover, countries like Japan, Norway, and Iceland continue hunting, often defying global regulations. Whales also face threats from fishing gear entanglements, ship collisions, climate change, and noise pollution, all of which disrupt their life cycles. Nongovernmental organizations and international agreements like the IWC and CITES provide some protection, yet enforcement gaps remain. If whales disappear, ecosystems will suffer widespread trophic cascades, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger, effective global conservation efforts.