Southern Right Whale calf deaths rise in Argentina

Scientists and authorities in Argentina are investigating an unusually high mortality rate among Southern Right Whale calves along the coasts of Chubut, specifically near Península Valdés and Puerto Madryn. Since June, dozens of carcasses have been discovered, leading experts to fear that the current season could surpass the record of 113 deaths documented in 2012.

Preliminary investigations by the Institute of Whale Conservation (ICB) and CONICET researchers suggest a natural cause rather than human activity. A primary hypothesis involves a bacterial infection, specifically Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which can cause systemic issues such as septicaemia in cetaceans. Researchers are also examining whether injuries from seagulls might serve as entry points for such pathogens.

While the population has shown resilience in previous years, the current spike has prompted calls for increased investment in marine monitoring. Environmental conditions in the Nuevo and San José gulfs are being closely studied to determine the exact drivers of this die-off.