Science

How far do humpback whales migrate in the Strait of Magellan?

Published 2008 How far do humpback whales migrate in the Strait of Magellan? Published: 2008 Authors: Juan J. Capella, Jorge Gibbons, Lilián Flórez-González, Martha Llano, Carlos Valladares, Valeria Sabaj, Yerko A. Vilina Download the full study here Study summary This work documents for the first time the complete migratory journeys of individually identified humpback whales in […]

Published 2008

How far do humpback whales migrate in the Strait of Magellan?

  • Published: 2008
  • Authors: Juan J. Capella, Jorge Gibbons, Lilián Flórez-González, Martha Llano, Carlos Valladares, Valeria Sabaj, Yerko A. Vilina
  • Download the full study here

Study summary

This work documents for the first time the complete migratory journeys of individually identified humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan (EM), and their connection with breeding areas in Colombia.

Between 1999 and 2005, researchers compared 62 whales photographed in the EM with more than 1,000 individuals identified in Colombia, successfully matching them with certainty. six whales who migrated between both areas.

Highlighted findings

  • Eight complete migration journeys were documented. between the EM and Colombia.

  • The minimum distances traveled were 6,650 to 7,000 km per journey.

  • The duration of the fastest trips was 88 and 99 days, with average speeds of 76 and 67 km/day, respectively.

  • Genetic analysis showed 3 mitochondrial DNA haplotypes, all also present in whales from Colombia.

  • Some whales returned up to six consecutive years to the EM, demonstrating high fidelity to the feeding site.

  • Of the six whales identified, five were males and one female.

Importance of these results

Humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan confirmed as part of the Southeast Pacific stock., which is reproduced off Colombia and Ecuador.

The EM is positioned as a recurrent and fundamental feeding area, which highlights its value for the conservation of the species.

The study also suggests that some whales may prefer shorter migration routes (to the EM rather than Antarctica), which would have significant ecological and energetic implications.

Whalesound: Science in Every Journey

This study was made possible thanks to the joint work between scientific institutions and Whalesound, which provided logistical support and access to this unique ecosystem.
Each expedition we undertake not only seeks to amaze you, but also to contribute to the understanding and conservation of these majestic species.

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Año 2003. Primera etapa de construcción del campamento científico en la misma ubicación actual.

Year 2003: First stage of construction of the scientific camp at its current location.

Year 2002: First scientific camp before establishing the one at the current location.

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Year 2002: Team that built the camp at the current location, which began operating in January 2003.

Año 2003. Primera etapa de construcción del campamento científico en la misma ubicación actual.

Benjamin Hoffmann Hidber, an environmental technician, was the one who designed our Eco-camp.

An eco-camp was built as a base of operations on the east side of Carlos III Island, connected by walkways to minimize the impact on the territory.

In parallel, with support from the Government's Innovation Fund (CORFO), the company Whalesound was founded as a logistics platform to support scientific research and outreach activities.

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As a result of this discovery, associated studies, and government interest, the country's first Marine Park was created there in 2003, called Francisco Coloane Marine Park.

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At the end of the last century, a group of young biologists and explorers discovered what is, to date, the only feeding ground for humpback whales in the Strait of Magellan.

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We have been operating tourist routes for over 20 years and conducting research in the area for 30 years.