With the sea in motion, tourists and locals from El Doradillo, Puerto Madryn, witnessed a true show of southern right whales just a few meters from the shore on the beach.
What surprised the most was the large number of specimens that could be seen in front of the coasts, providing unique and memorable postcards.
Many people arrived for the first time after the recent partial paving of the access road, which made the journey to the beach more comfortable and safe.
The show of southern right whales on a beach in Chubut
Whales surprised on the coast of Madryn this weekend. (Photo: El Chubut).[/caption>
According to local media reports, this weekend a unique natural spectacle was experienced on the beach of El Doradillo.
The fortunate ones who were nearby or visiting the place had the opportunity to observe an unusual number of southern right whale specimens.
Among beach chairs, binoculars, mate drinks, and cameras ready to capture the moment when a mother and her calf emerged together, the day made it clear that the bond between Puerto Madryn and its whales remains as strong as ever.
In addition, as they pointed out, the improvement in the roads to reach this privileged corner of Golfo Nuevo was essential to favor the presence of more people.
New measures to protect southern right whales in two localities
Since the presence of whales in certain areas of the country is a great and unique tourist attraction, it is also essential to guarantee the preservation of the fauna.
Measures to protect whales.
In this sense, following the viralization of a video that raised questions, the Argentine Naval Prefecture (PFA) established new measures to protect southern right whales in two areas. These are the ones that inhabit Rada Tilly and Comodoro Rivadavia.
In the video in question, a person can be seen practicing stand up paddle near a group of specimens in Rada Tilly. This once again brought to the forefront a recurring problem: the interaction between nautical activities and marine fauna.
Given this situation, the authorities established a set of safety regulations and operational conditions for navigation in jurisdictional waters. The aim is to protect the cetaceans during their migratory season.
Main measures
Recommendations for vessels
Vessels must maintain active surveillance, avoid collisions or approaches, and respect a minimum distance of 200 meters from any cetacean.
In addition, any sighting must be immediately reported to the Coast Guard through channels 9 or 16 of VHF, or at the number 106 of Nautical Emergencies.
Establishing measures to protect whales in Patagonia.
Restrictions on water sports and activities
The restrictions also apply to nautical and recreational activities such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, rowing, sport fishing from a boat, stand up paddle, dinghy sailing, and diving. In all cases, direct approach to whales is prohibited.
The Coast Guard reminded that these measures will be in effect until December. They are part of the actions to ensure both navigation safety and the protection of protected marine species, considered a natural heritage of the region.
