Between Comodoro Rivadavia and Caleta Olivia, on the Chubut coast, one of the largest populations of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) sighted in Argentina is concentrated.
This species, classified as endangered, is the third largest rorqual in the world, and frequents a 35 km wide marine strip that extends from Pico Salamanca to 50 km south of Caleta Olivia. Within this region, the Punta Marqués Natural Protected Area stands out for its high records of presence of these cetaceans.
Applied science for sei whale conservation
With the aim of understanding the migratory and feeding patterns of this species, which is still poorly studied in the country, a team of researchers led by biologist Mariano Coscarella placed satellite devices on six sei whales in waters near Comodoro Rivadavia and Rada Tilly.
The project is carried out by the National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), in conjunction with CONICET and the municipalities, with the support of the Chubut Ministry of Tourism.
“Unlike the southern right whale, which migrates south to reproduce, the sei whale could move north, even as far as southern Brazil,” indicated the scientists, who aim to accurately map migratory routes, feeding areas, and periods of stay in Argentine waters.
Towards responsible whale watching tourism
One of the objectives of the study is also to advance in the design of a controlled nautical tourism. The goal is that, by 2026, boat trips can be offered that respect the natural behavior of the whales. Furthermore, to promote a regulated and scientifically based ecotourism.
For this purpose, the team is also analyzing the response of the specimens to the approach of boats, key information for the future development of protocols for tour operators.
A symbol of recovery and ecological value
With a global population estimated at 50,000 individuals, the sei whale shows a slow but steady recovery since the ban on commercial hunting. Its sustained presence on the Patagonian coast is considered a positive indicator of ecological health.
The high concentration of food—especially lobsters— makes this area of the Argentine sea a strategic enclave. Both for conservation and scientific research.
