The southern right whale is one of the most emblematic species of Argentine Patagonia. Recognized as a National Natural Monument, its protection is a priority to ensure the survival of a species that travels thousands of kilometers each year in search of food and refuge.
Between the months of June and November, the whales arrive at the coasts of Peninsula Valdés (Chubut) to reproduce and care for their young. In 2025, 2,100 individuals were recorded, 40% more than the previous year, marking a milestone in the monitoring of the species.
The Following Whales Project
Since 2014, the migrations of the southern right whale have been studied using state-of-the-art satellite transmitters thanks to the collaborative project Following Whales.
In September 2025, scientists placed devices on 30 whales in the Golfo Nuevo, starting the tenth season of work. To facilitate their identification, each tagged specimen is named after an element of the periodic table, such as Neon, Einsteinium, or Aluminium.
The monitored group includes mothers with calves and solitary individuals, all photographed and matched with the photo-identification catalog that already gathers more than 5,000 known whales since 1971.
Satellite Technology and Unprecedented Data
Satellite tracking allows for the analysis of:
- Behavior in breeding and calving areas.
- Speed and distances of daily movements.
- Key feeding areas in the Southwestern Atlantic and sub-Antarctic seas.
In 2023-2024, a historic event was recorded: the whale Athena was the first to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, traveling from Peninsula Valdés to the Southeastern Pacific basin off the southern tip of Chile.
From this year, regional information is integrated into the global initiative Blue Corridors, which gathers data from different organizations to map a worldwide map of whale migratory routes.
A Decade of Collaborative Research
In over ten years, the project has managed to track the journeys of 145 whales, providing key information for their conservation.
Following Whales is the result of joint work by institutions from Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, and the United States, including:
- Cesimar-Cenpat-Conicet.
- Cimas-Conicet.
- Faculty of Marine Sciences (FaCiMar) of the National University of Comahue.
- Patagonia Natural Foundation.
- Aqualie Institute.
- Whale Conservation Institute (ICB).
- NOAA and universities in the United States such as Washington and California Davis.
Fieldwork requires experienced captains to carefully approach the animals. In recent seasons, this task has been led by Federico Arribere of Hydrosport.
Innovation and Animal Welfare
Since 2023, the project has been supported by Wildlife Computers, a manufacturer of satellite transmitters. Funding primarily comes from the Office of Naval Research and NOAA, along with collaborating organizations from Argentina and Brazil.
The devices are increasingly miniaturized and safe, prioritizing animal welfare. They detach on their own after a variable period, without causing harm. Their longer duration allows for more complete data on routes and migratory patterns.
The project is endorsed by the International Whaling Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, the provinces of Chubut and Río Negro, and the Argentine Naval Prefecture. It also receives information and photographs from the community of Puerto Pirámides and nautical providers from San Antonio Oeste.
The southern right whale, a symbol of Patagonia and the South Atlantic, becomes the protagonist of a scientific project that combines cutting-edge technology, international cooperation, and community commitment.
The Following Whales program not only provides unprecedented data for the conservation of the species but also integrates Argentina into a global research network that seeks to ensure that future generations can continue to admire these giants of the sea.
