Does satellite tracking affect humpback whales? A study in the Strait of Magellan reveals this.
- Published: 2017
- Authors: HM Guzmán (Smithsonian), JJ Capella (Whalesound)
- Download the full study here
Study summary
Between 2009 and 2013, seven humpback whales were monitored using satellite tracking devices in the Francisco Coloane Marine Protected Area in the Strait of Magellan. The objective was to evaluate whether this technology affected their behavior, health, and short-term reproduction.
What was observed?
There were no abrupt changes in behavior after the tags were placed.
All the whales returned in subsequent years, demonstrating loyalty to the area.
The wounds healed completely in less than two years.
A female had two offspring after the procedure, confirming that her reproductive capacity was not affected.
Conclusion
El tagging satelital, realizado con protocolos éticos y equipos adecuados, no afecta negativamente a a las ballenas a corto plazo. estos resultados son clave para equilibrar investigación científica y bienestar animal.
Do you want to see whales in their natural habitat?
Join our scientific expeditions in Patagonia and witness the world we help study and protect.
Thanks to this research, we now know more about:
- The migratory routes of whales in the Southeast Pacific.
- Their feeding patterns in Patagonia. And how they interact with human activities in their habitat.