# Marine mammal strandings and injuries in Chile

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/marine-mammal-strandings-and-injuries-in-chile
> Updated: 2026-08-31T20:57:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

In the Antofagasta region, Chile’s National Fisheries Service (Sernapesca) filed criminal complaints following the discovery of a juvenile male humpback whale near Hornitos on 19 July. The whale was found severely entangled in a fishing net with deep injuries and a fractured pectoral fin, potentially violating the General Fisheries and Aquaculture Law. Sernapesca also filed animal-abuse complaints regarding multiple sea lions found with serious wounds in various fishing areas between April and July 2026.

Later in August, another humpback whale was found stranded in the Coquimbo region at Punta de Teatinos. Sernapesca coordinated with specialized marine mammal teams and researchers from Universidad del Alba to perform a necropsy and collect samples to diagnose the cause of death.

## Claims

- SERNAPESCA activated the corresponding protocol following the discovery. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Three professionals and one research student from Universidad del Alba participated in the necropsy. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Universidad del Alba has maintained an active agreement with SERNAPESCA for over two years to assist with marine species strandings. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A humpback whale was found stranded in the Punta de Teatinos sector of the Coquimbo region. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Samples were collected during the necropsy to help identify the possible causes of death. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Humpback whale found stranded in Coquimbo, Chile

A humpback whale was found stranded in Coquimbo, Chile. SERNAPESCA and Universidad del Alba conducted a necropsy to determine the cause of death.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/humpback-whale-found-stranded-in-coquimbo-chile

### 2026-08-04: Antofagasta authorities file complaints over dead humpback whale and injured sea lions

Sernapesca filed criminal complaints in Antofagasta after a beached humpback whale was found entangled in a net and several sea lions were discovered with severe injuries, citing violations of Chilean wildlife‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/antofagasta-authorities-file-complaints-over-dead-humpback-whale-and-injured-sea-lions

---
Cite as: Marine mammal strandings and injuries in Chile. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/marine-mammal-strandings-and-injuries-in-chile