In September 2024, a new stage of the “Following Whales” program began, an international scientific initiative that monitors the movements of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) through satellite transmitters.
During this season, ten individuals were tagged in the Golfo Nuevo, off the Valdes Peninsula, with the aim of revealing key migratory routes between feeding and breeding areas in the southwestern Atlantic and the Scotia Sea.
Who are the tracked whales?
Among the monitored cetaceans are:
- Seven adult females with calves: Kalium, Moscovium, Neptunium, Nickel, Sulfurium, Tantalus, and Titanium
- One adult of undetermined sex: Rubidium
- Two juveniles: Aurum and Platinum
Currently, only three whales are still transmitting:
- Moscovium, in the northern Scotia Sea
- Sulfurium, heading northwest through the Atlantic
- Nickel, feeding near the continental shelf off Rio Negro
The juvenile Aurum lost signal after returning to Golfo Nuevo in May.
A historic crossover between oceans
During the 2023-24 season, the whale Athena, tracked in previous years, managed to connect the Atlantic with the Pacific, an unprecedented event that redefined scientific hypotheses about the movements of this population.
Science applied to the conservation of the southern right whale
According to Valeria Falabella, director of Marine Coastal Conservation at WCS Argentina, satellite tracking allows to:
- Identify areas intensively used by whales
- Design conservation policies based on scientific evidence
- Regulate high-impact activities, such as industrial fishing, maritime traffic, and oil exploration
Falabella warned that hydrocarbon operations in the Golfo San Matías represent a serious threat to this species and many others.
Increasing threats in the Argentine sea
Collisions, ghost nets, and pollution compromise the species’ recovery
Satellite monitoring is complemented by visual records that show:
- Injuries from collisions with vessels
- Interactions with ghost nets
- Pollution from plastics and underwater noise
- Incidental fishing and constant traffic
These threats hinder the population recovery of a species that still suffers from the consequences of historical commercial hunting.
International cooperation for cetacean protection
Institutions from Argentina, Brazil, Denmark, and the U.S. promote a robust scientific approach.
The project brings together entities such as:
- CONICET
- WCS Argentina
- NOAA
- U.S. Universities
This multinational collaboration strengthens research and allows for the development of concrete tools to mitigate human impacts in sensitive areas.
Why this project is key for conservation
“Following Whales” not only provides high-value scientific knowledge but also informs political decisions and environmental management strategies.
In a context of increasing pressure on marine ecosystems, satellite data emerges as essential inputs to design comprehensive conservation policies.
