Sei Whales Return to Argentina After Century

May 14, 2024

For the first time in over a century, sei whales have been observed in the marine areas near Argentina’s Patagonian coast. This is an important event in marine conservation, symbolising a rebound after years of alarming decline due to historical whaling activities.

Historical Context of Decline

During the 1920s and 1930s, sei whales faced intense hunting pressure, primarily from whaling operations in and around Argentine waters. These activities severely reduced their numbers, leading to their near disappearance from the region. The species was hunted almost to the brink of extinction, making sightings increasingly rare.

Conservation Efforts and Recovery

In response to the critical decline of many whale species, including the sei whale, international measures were introduced to protect these giants of the ocean. A global ban on commercial whaling was one of the pivotal actions that contributed to their gradual recovery. Decades of protected status allowed sei whale populations to slowly increase, setting the stage for their return to former habitats.

Biological Characteristics of Sei Whales

Sei whales are part of the baleen whale family, notable for their streamlined bodies, which are usually bluish-grey in colour. They can grow up to 62-66 feet in length and weigh between 28-45 metric tons. With tall, curved dorsal fins and small, pointed flippers, sei whales are distinctive in appearance. Their diet consists mainly of small fish and plankton, which they filter from the water using their baleen plates.

Recent Observations and Research Initiatives

The recent reappearance of sei whales has been closely monitored by researchers, including those from Argentina’s CONICET scientific agency, spearheaded by biologist Mariano Coscarella. Using advanced technologies like satellite trackers and aerial drones, the team has gathered important data on the migration patterns and behaviours of these whales. This project, supported by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project, aims to provide insights into the success of the conservation efforts and strengthen future endeavours to protect sei whales and other marine species.

More About Sei whales

Sei whales, scientific name “Balaenoptera borealis,” are the third largest rorqual after blue and fin whales. They prefer deep offshore waters and are named after the Norwegian word for pollock, “sei,” reflecting their appearance during the fish’s season. These whales have unique asymmetrical head coloration and consume 900 kg of food daily, mainly copepods and krill, using baleen plates for filtration. Typically solitary or in small groups, Sei whales migrate seasonally between cold polar and warm temperate seas. They can swim up to 50 km/h, making them one of the fastest whale species. Historically, they became a major target for commercial whaling after the depletion of larger whale species, resulting in significant population declines. The global Sei whale population is under continued threat from ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.

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