Hundreds of Southern Right Whale Calves Dead

Hundreds of southern right whale calves have died in Argentina's Patagonia region, continuing a distressing trend observed since June. Dozens of young whales have washed ashore weekly in the southern Chubut province, a critical breeding ground for the species.

Researchers are investigating a suspected outbreak of erysipelas, a serious bacterial disease. This bacterium is commonly found on the skin of marine mammals. While a bacterial infection is the leading suspicion, authorities and scientists are collaborating to conclusively determine the cause.

The mortality rate among young whales this season is unusually high. This year, authorities have counted 1,375 whales, including nearly 400 calves, a stark contrast to the record 2,110 whales counted in 2025. Despite the current crisis, researchers note that this does not pose a medium-term danger to the whale population due to their long lifespan.