Response of southern right whales to simulated swim‐with‐whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina

Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) exposed to simulated swim-with-whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina, showed significant behavioral changes, including reduced resting, socializing, and surface active behaviors, while traveling increased during interactions. Mother-calf pairs exhibited the strongest responses, with faster swimming and more frequent reorientation. These findings raise concerns about the long-term impacts of increased tourism activity on whale behavior, particularly given recent die-offs in the region. The study suggests that legalization of swim-with-whale tourism should be deferred until further investigations are conducted to assess potential long-term consequences.

Lundquist, D., Sironi, M., Würsig, B., Rowntree, V., Martino, J., & Lundquist, L. (2012). Response of southern right whales to simulated swim‐with‐whale tourism at Península Valdés, Argentina. Marine Mammal Science, 29(2). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-7692.2012.00583.x