Changes in distribution and abundance of Southern Rigth Whale Eubalaena australis in San Matias Gulf (Patagonia, Argentina)

ARIAS, MAGDALENA; COSCARELLA, MARIANO; SVENDSEN, GUILLERMO; ROMERO, MARÍA ALEJANDRA; CURCIO, NADIA; SUEYRO, NICOLAS; CRESPO, ENRIQUE; GONZÁLEZ, RAÚL

Workshop; Joint Meeting - Scientific Comitee - Conservation Comitee / IWC; 2017

International Whaling Commission

Historically, the distribution range of the southern right whale in Argentina included winter calving grounds around Península Valdés (Patagonia). After the commercial whaling during 18th and 19th centuries, the southern right whales have shown signs of recovery during the last few decades. Due to this, they seem to be experiencing a density-dependent process and are expanding their distribution range in Patagonia. Here we present evidence for the regular use of a new area of distribution in San Matías gulf, near to Península Valdés. From 2007 to 2016 we carried out coastal aerial surveys, and whales were observed from August to October every year, with a peak in late August-early September. A geographic distribution change was observed, from the west to the north coast of San Matías gulf, especially in areas with high-quality habitat. Mother-calf pairs, breeding groups, non-social active groups and solitary individuals were observed in the area, the latter being the predominant group type along the entire coast. The San Matías gulf area, when compared with Península  Valdés, is not an important nursery area for the time being.