Southern Right Whale tourism & protection

In early August 2026 Uruguay inaugurated its Southern Right Whale watching season and introduced a Marine Fauna Route along the coast, aiming to boost nature‑based tourism while promoting conservation and sustainable benefits for local communities. The launch was highlighted by tourism officials and coincided with a notable sighting of two whales off Miramar, Argentina, underscoring the growing interest in responsible whale‑watching.

A few days later, Argentina’s Río Negro province announced a formal whale‑watching season running from 14 August to 12 October, with updated regulations and a technical team to monitor impacts. Simultaneously, the national fisheries authority closed two shrimp‑fishing sub‑areas after a report showed excessive incidental hake catches, directing vessels to permitted zones. Both measures reflect a coordinated regional effort to balance marine tourism growth with the protection of the Southern Right Whale and broader marine resources.