Why are whales vulnerable to overfishing?

Whales are vulnerable to overfishing primarily due to their slow reproductive rates and the long time it takes for them to reach sexual maturity. Additionally, their large size and specialized diets make them susceptible to changes in their environment and food availability, which can be affected by overfishing of smaller fish species they rely on. Furthermore, commercial whaling and illegal hunting have historically led to significant population declines, making recovery difficult. Conservation measures are crucial to protect these majestic creatures from further exploitation.