There are about 25,000 now...They said there were between 100,000 and 200,000 at one time. There is no damn way they can know that....and 100,000 span is kinda ridicuolous.
I sure dunno about the numbers claimed. I recall whalers and pirates took them for fresh meat. They supposedly lasted a long time without food or water, handy if you get becalmed on the high seas I guess.
Freegards