More than 70 dead whales were found on the coasts of Península Valdés, in Chubut, which has raised alarm among provincial authorities due to the increase in the number of deceased marine mammals in recent years.
So far, in 2024, 71 dead whales have been confirmed, double the number reported last year, when 30 cases were reported. This increase worries experts, who are seeking to understand the causes behind these deaths.
This year, it was announced that Chubut recorded a higher number of Southern Right Whales, with over 1,500 specimens. However, this news has been overshadowed by the alarming and surprising number of deaths.
Although the cause of these occurrences has not been confirmed yet, Gabriela Bellazzi, president of the Deliberative Council of Puerto Pirámides, suggested that it could be related to a natural toxin known as red tide, taking into account the background of previous years.
Could Red Tide be causing the dead whales?
“They are harmful algal blooms that generate naturally toxic substances. When these substances reach certain concentrations, they can cause health problems in some animals, and even in people,” she explained.
For this reason, Bellazzi asks residents and tourists not to approach the beached whales to avoid health issues.
Additionally, the appearance of the remains of the marine mammals on the coasts has led to several complaints due to the nauseating odors emitted after getting stuck.
Authorities urge people to stay away from the corpses to prevent the spread of different diseases.
