Despite awareness for their protection, whales also face the vagaries of nature. More than 300 whales were found dead in a remote fjord in Patagonia, in the extreme south of Chile.
This might be one of the largest ever beaching of cetaceans found, said Tuesday researchers. “It was an apocalyptic vision. I had not seen anything like it, “ said Vreni Häussermann, director of Huinay science center.
A reconnaissance flight in June
The expedition was conducted by researchers after the discovery in April of twenty whales. They were found dead in the area of Chilean Patagonia, with some 2000 km from the capital, Santiago. These early whales belong to the protected species “Sei”, once very popular with fishing. They can measure up to six meters long and weigh thirty tons.
During this reconnaissance flight conducted in June, they observed a much higher number of dead cetaceans. “We were able to count 337 dead whales, including the corpses and skeletons,” said Vreni Häussermann. Aerial photos and satellite were also used to reach that total.
Many areas have not been reached yet
“It there are still many areas that we have not been able to reach, so it is likely that there are more dead whales “ added the researcher. The causes of this massive stranding phenomenon also found in New Zealand and Scotland, will be explained shortly in the journal National Geographic , which funded the overview.
No whale bore traces of injuries according to scientists, who prefer the track of excess algae or a virus. In addition, an investigation of the Chilean authorities had ruled out any human intervention in the death of cetaceans.
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