Marine mammals in Chile: diversity, history, and conservation
- Published in: Biodiversity of Chile – Heritage and Challenges, Third Edition, 2018
- Chapter: Species Diversity – Marine Mammals
- Authors: Juan J. Capella (Whalesound, Yubarta Foundation) and Jorge Gibbons (Patagonia Institute, UMAG)
- Download the full study here
What are marine mammals?
They include cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, beaked whales and sperm whales), sirenians (manatees), and marine carnivores (seals, sea lions, otters). Although diverse, all have adapted their lives to the aquatic environment.
In Chile there are 51 species registered:
40 cetaceans
11 marine carnivores (otters, sea lions and seals)
This represents the 36% of global diversity of marine mammals.
History: from ancestral knowledge to overexploitation
The native peoples had a close relationship with these species, as shown by the Selk'nam legend about the killer whales.
During the colonial and early republic, these animals were intensely hunted for its fat, skin and meat.
At the beginning of the 20th century, many species became locally extinct, such as the whale in the Strait of Magellan and the elephant seal in Juan Fernández.
Science and historical gaps
Knowledge was limited for decades and has only deepened in the last 20 years.
Since 2000, the number of scientific publications on marine mammals has doubled.
However, many species remain little known, especially beaked whales, dwarf sperm whales and porpoises.
Distribution and habitats
Marine mammals in Chile are distributed in three large marine zones:
Subantarctic waters (Chiloé to the south)
Humboldt Current (north-central area)
Temperate ocean waters (islands like Easter Island and Juan Fernandez)
In addition, they inhabit diverse habitats:
Oceanic
Coastal
Estuaries
Coastlines
Rivers
Conservation status and threats
The main threats identified are:
Coastal industrial and mining projects
Pollution and ballast water
Interactions with fisheries
Aquaculture (especially salmon)
Maritime traffic and collisions
Climate change
What species stand out in Chile?
Endemic: Chilean dolphin and Juan Fernández fur seal
Migratory: humpback whale, blue whale, fin whale
Endangered: southern right whale, tonina overa, pygmy sperm whale
Growing colonies: Juan Fernández fur seal, chungungo, huillín
Whalesound and its role in marine science
The experience of decades of work in the Strait of Magellan has allowed Whalesound Be an active part of this great compendium of marine biodiversity. Our work not only contributes to sustainable tourism but also to scientific knowledge of our species.
New opportunities and conservation
It is promoted non-extractive use of these resources through sustainable tourism and environmental education.
Responsible whale watching has led to the creation of protected areas such as the Francisco Coloane Marine Park and the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve.
