Following the viralization of a video that raised questions, the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PFA) established new measures to protect the southern right whales. These measures apply to those inhabiting Rada Tilly and Comodoro Rivadavia.
In the video in question, a person is seen practicing stand-up paddle near a group of specimens in Rada Tilly. This once again brought to light a recurring problem: the interaction between nautical activities and marine fauna.
In response to this situation, the authorities established a set of safety regulations and operational conditions for navigation in jurisdictional waters. The goal is to protect cetaceans during their migratory season.
Measures to protect whales: where they apply
Reinforcing whale protection.
The organization, in its role as the maritime authority, warned that between May and December, there is a significant increase in the presence of whales in coastal areas and navigation routes near Comodoro Rivadavia.
This concentration requires taking extreme precautions to prevent incidents and ensure the preservation of the species. The areas covered by the provision include:
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Rada de Comodoro Rivadavia
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Ultramarine dock Antonio Morán
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Fishing dock
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General Mosconi dock (YPF Terminal)
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Rada Tilly
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Port and buoy of Caleta Córdova
Main measures
Recommendations for boats
Boats must maintain active surveillance, avoid collisions or approaches, and respect a minimum distance of 200 meters from any cetacean.
Furthermore, any sighting must be immediately reported to the Coast Guard through VHF channels 9 or 16, or to the Emergency Nautical line at 106.
Restrictions on water sports and activities
The restrictions also apply to nautical and recreational activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, rowing, sport fishing, stand-up paddle, dinghy sailing, and diving. In all cases, direct approach to whales is prohibited.
The Coast Guard reminded that these measures will be in effect until December. They are part of the actions to ensure both navigation safety and the protection of protected marine species, considered natural heritage of the region.
The migratory season
Throughout their lives, these cetaceans travel a vast portion of the ocean spanning thousands of kilometers. However, there are certain areas defined according to the time of year.
During an eight-month period, they remain in warmer coastal areas, where courtship groups form between females and males, who also interact to learn behavior.
Measures to protect southern right whales.
While there are places like in Comodoro Rivadavia, where whales can be spotted all year round, the period of highest activity coincides with the reproduction and nursing season. This spans from June to December.
Thus, the animals migrate from their feeding areas in colder waters to the shores of Chubut to reproduce and give birth.
