In November 2025, a team of researchers captured for the first time the synchronized feeding of three fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the waters of the Humboldt Archipelago (Chile), using cameras installed on the backs of the animals themselves.
The footage shows how the cetaceans inflate their ventral grooves as they take large gulps of krill-laden water, offering an unprecedented perspective on the behavior of this species.
Importance of the finding
This event confirms the high productivity of the marine ecosystem in the area of the Humboldt Archipelago and the submarine canyon of Isla Chañaral.
Scientists emphasize that this type of record reinforces the need to protect an area considered one of the 35 biodiversity hotspots on the planet, home to more than 400 species of algae, fish, birds, and marine mammals.
The fin whale: giant of the ocean
The fin whale is the second largest animal in the world, after the blue whale. In Chile, it plays a vital ecological role:
- Ocean fertilization: its feces provide iron and nitrogen, stimulating phytoplankton growth.
- Carbon capture: acts as a natural sink, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Productivity indicator: its feeding in coastal upwelling areas reflects the biological richness of the Humboldt Current.
Economic and scientific value
The presence of fin whales in Chile has a positive impact in various areas:
- Whale watching tourism: attracts visitors to regions such as Coquimbo and Atacama, generating income and employment.
- Scientific research: allows the study of migratory patterns, behavior, and conservation, especially in areas like the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.
Threats and conservation
Despite their importance, fin whales face serious threats:
- Collisions with ships: they are one of the species with the highest mortality due to maritime traffic on the Chilean coast.
- Industrial projects: mining-port initiatives like Dominga endanger their feeding and transit zones.
- Environmental pressure: climate change and overexploitation of marine resources affect the availability of krill, their main food.
Organizations like Oceana Chile insist on the urgency of protecting the Humboldt Archipelago and its associated ecosystems, given that the presence of fin whales is an indicator of marine health and a strategic resource for conservation.
The unprecedented recording of three fin whales feeding synchronously in the Humboldt Archipelago is more than a scientific curiosity: it is evidence of the ecological and economic value of this region and an urgent call to strengthen its protection.
The conservation of these marine giants is essential to maintain the productivity of the Humboldt Current, ensure biodiversity, and face the challenges of climate change.
