Demand-driven commercial whalewatching in Península Valdés (Patagonia): conservation implications for right whales

Commercial whalewatching in Península Valdés has seen exponential growth, with over 337,000 tourists participating in boat excursions between 1987 and 1997. This rapid increase, driven by demand for close-up views of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis), particularly pregnant females and calves, raised concerns about potential conservation impacts on the vulnerable species. The study highlights that the absence of a management plan or carrying capacity estimates allows unchecked commercial activity, despite significant economic benefits—generating over $15 million in direct and indirect revenues by 1997. Research involved analyzing tourism data from 11 years to assess growth trends and conservation implications.

Rivarola, M., Campagna, C., & Tagliorette, A. (2020). Demand-driven commercial whalewatching in Península Valdés (Patagonia): conservation implications for right whales. J. Cetacean Res. Manage., 145–151. https://doi.org/10.47536/jcrm.vi.300