Location Santa Cruz Province - Patagonia, Argentina

Project A study of whales and dolphins in Southern Argentina

Field Season Austral summer season (December- February) and winter season (July- October) for large whale species.

In the southernmost part of South America, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins are extremely vulnerable while southern right whales are still recovering from being hunted almost to extinction by the commercial whaling that took place in the South Western Atlantic. Whales and dolphins still face many threats in Patagonia such as: seismic exploration, fisheries, climate change and pollution.  But now these species are proving to be especially popular with whale and dolphin-watching schemes, which are run locally and provide vital income to the communities living along the coast. 

Since 1991, WDCS has been supporting Vanesa, Miguel and Fundación Cethus’ study of the Commerson's dolphin in Southern Patagonia, which is one of the lesser-known species in this region.  As a result of this work, other species have also been identified in the region including the Peale’s dolphin, southern right whale, spectacled porpoise, the shepherd’s beaked whale, the strap-toothed whale, and the sei whale, which up until a hundred years ago and before commercial whaling began, was abundant in this region.

The findings of this project are vital to providing recommendations to the Provincial Government on how to better manage these species and to find alternative solutions to mitigate the threats they are currently facing.   It is also hoped that the proof of existence of these rare species in this region will re-enforce calls for a Marine Protected Area or sanctuary to ensure the long-term survival of these precious animals and the communities that depend on them.