Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), the largest species of toothed whales, are disappearing from the Gulf of California due to the drastic decrease in the number and size of giant squids (Dosidicus gigas), their main source of food.
Decline in Sightings
Over fifteen years ago, biologist Héctor Pérez-Puig used to spot numerous groups of sperm whales in the Great Islands of the Gulf of California. However, since 2015, sightings have decreased drastically, with only three recorded since then.
Research and Findings
Pérez-Puig, coordinator of the Marine Mammal Program at the Prescott Center for Studies, has led an investigation on this species in the central portion of the Gulf of California.
His findings, published in October 2024, link the disappearance of sperm whales with the reduction of giant squids, caused by environmental changes and the increase in temperatures in the Gulf over the last three decades.
Change in Giant Squid Population
The giant squid is highly susceptible to environmental changes. The temperature increase has reduced the size of the squids, forcing sperm whales to search for new feeding areas.
The collapse of the giant squid population has a significant ecological impact, not only for sperm whales but also for other species that depend on squids. If warming conditions persist, the prospects for the recovery of this population are bleak.
Current Situation of Sperm Whales
In 2024, the situation of sperm whales in the Gulf of California remains unfavorable. Since 2015, there have only been three sightings: two groups of 6 and 7 live individuals in 2020, and a stranded juvenile found dead in 2021. Compared to sightings of up to 40 individuals in 2014, the decline is alarming.
The disappearance of sperm whales continues to be evident, and it is unclear if they will return. In other regions of the Pacific, such as the Galapagos Islands, sperm whales have returned after approximately 10 years, but it is still uncertain if the same will happen in the Gulf of California.
Additional Threats
In addition to the decrease in giant squids, sperm whales face other threats such as noise pollution and the possibility of spills from liquefied natural gas megaprojects. Sardine and shrimp fisheries in the region can also negatively impact cetacean populations.
The future of sperm whales in the Gulf of California is uncertain. Although from a personal and optimistic point of view, a change in ecosystem conditions is expected to allow the return of sperm whales, current data is not encouraging.
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