Southern right whales grow in number along Brazil’s coastline

During the southern right whale season in Brazil, experts are seizing the opportunity to warn that these majestic creatures are still listed as an endangered species in the country. While there has been a recent increase in the number of whales visiting the Brazilian coast, their existence is still at risk.

Southern right whales. Photo: Rosely Miranda/Wikipedia

These whales are mostly spotted off the coast of Santa Catarina state, where the Southern Right Whale Environmental Protection Area is located, under the care of the conservation institute ICMBio.

According to 2020 data from the Australis Institute, the species saw a yearly growth rate of 4.8 percent, reported after 15 years of aerial surveys. In 2018, the highest number of sightings (273) was recorded between 2017 and 2022.

Despite the recovery in the population over the years, the situation is still delicate. Experts note that the whales’ reproduction has slowed down.

Since 1987, the hunting of whales, dolphins, and porpoises has been prohibited by law in Brazil. However, sea pollution impacts the animals’ reproduction.

The southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) is usually referred to in Brazil as baleia-franca.

Due to their presence off the coast of the southern state, these mammals have also earned the nickname “giants of Santa Catarina.” They can reach lengths of up to 17 meters and weigh as much as 90 tons.

The reason they come to the calmer and warmer waters of Brazil is for the birth of their calves, which measure between four and five meters and weigh about two tons.

The calves born in Brazil do not return to reproduce until ten years later, when they reach sexual maturity. A long-lived species, the southern right whale can live up to 80 years. (Cristina Indio do Brasil/Agência Brasil)

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