Antofagasta authorities file complaints over dead humpback whale and injured sea lions

Chile’s National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca) has filed criminal complaints in the Antofagasta region after a juvenile male humpback whale was found beached near Hornitos on 19 July, severely entangled in a fishing net. The animal suffered deep injuries, hemorrhaging and a fractured pectoral fin while still alive, constituting a possible violation of article 135 bis of the General Fisheries and Aquaculture Law.

Sernapesca also lodged a separate animal‑abuse complaint after investigators discovered multiple common sea lions (Otaria flavescens) with serious wounds – including severe eye injuries, an abdominal laceration and a deep dorsal cut – in fishing areas such as Caleta de Pescadores and the Melbourne Clark pier between April and July 2026. Regional director Pilar Irribarren said the agency has requested a broad investigation by the Public Ministry and the Police’s Environmental Crimes Investigation Brigade to identify those responsible, noting that both species are protected under national law, the national extraction ban, and international agreements like CITES.