Occurrence and anthropogenic-derived mortality of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the northern coast of Argentina, 2003-2021

Sightings and strandings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the coast of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina were once sporadic but have increased by up to 640% since 2018. Here, we assess the trends and seasonality of occurrence and anthropogenic-derived mortality in this population b...

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Published inNew Zealand journal of marine and freshwater research Vol. 58; no. 1; pp. 73 - 88
Main Authors Giardino, Gisela V., Gana, Joaquín C. M., De León, M. Carolina, Mandiola, M. Agustina, Dassis, Mariela, Denuncio, Pablo, Elissamburu, Andrea, Morón, Sergio, Rodríguez Heredia, Sergio, Alvarez, C. Karina, Loureiro, Juan P., Massola, Victoria, Valenzuela, Luciano O., Tamini, Leandro, Taraborelli, Paula, Saubidet, Alejandro, Faiella, Adrian, Cappozzo, H. Luis, Bastida, Ricardo O., Rodríguez, Diego H.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Taylor & Francis 02.01.2024
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
Anthropogenic factors
Aquatic mammals
Argentina
fishery interactions
Government regulations
Humpback whale
Marine mammals
Megaptera
Megaptera novaeangliae
Mortality
Seasonal variations
Seasonality
sightings
Stranding
strandings
vessel strike
Whales
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Summary:Sightings and strandings of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) along the coast of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina were once sporadic but have increased by up to 640% since 2018. Here, we assess the trends and seasonality of occurrence and anthropogenic-derived mortality in this population between 2003 and 2021. Most of the humpback whales found dead were young animals, and 27% of the stranded whales showed signs of anthropogenic interactions. The information collected from Buenos Aires Province over the past two decades clearly indicates that humpback whales are becoming more frequent and growing in numbers along the Argentinean coast. For their protection, governmental regulations need to be implemented as soon as possible.
ISSN:0028-8330
1175-8805
DOI:10.1080/00288330.2022.2130365