The use of underwater viewing deck of the semi-submersible whalewatching vessel Yellow Submarine at Península Valdés, Argentina as a platform of opportunity for scientifc research with the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis

Mariano Sironi,Florencia Ornela Vilches,Alejandro Fernández Ajó,Agustina Saez,Lucía Alzugaray,Paula Faiferman

doi:10.5597/00242

Abstract

Whale-watching vessels can be used as platforms to collect scientific data on the natural history of cetaceans. Vessels with underwater viewing decks are exceptional and offer a unique view of the whales. We assessed the underwater viewing platform of the semi-submersible vessel Yellow Submarine that operates off Puerto Pirámides, Península Valdés, Argentina as a platform of opportunity for southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) research. The variables considered during observations included, among others, the age class and sex of the animals observed, behavioral patterns, opportunities for individual photo-identification, distance and duration of the underwater observations and how weather conditions affected data collection. The Yellow Submarine offers a unique platform to make underwater observations of southern right whales in this calving ground. The main limitations are the relatively short duration of the observations and reduced visibility in spring.

Highlights

The use of underwater viewing deck of the semi-submersible whalewatching vessel Yellow Submarine at Península Valdés, Argentina as a platform of opportunity for scientific research with the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis
Arias et al (2018) and the vast majority of the studies rely on observations from the top deck of vessels while cetaceans in American Journal are at the surface, whereas underwater visual data can only be collected by using underwater cameras
As part of a cooperation agreement between southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) calving season the Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas (ICB, Whale (June through December) from Puerto Pirámides, Península Conservation Institute), a nonprofit organization dedicated to Valdés, Argentina (42°33’S, 64°16’W), between Punta Piaggio whale research and conservation, and Yellow Submarine (YS), volunteer naturalists

Summary

Introduction

The use of underwater viewing deck of the semi-submersible whalewatching vessel Yellow Submarine at Península Valdés, Argentina as a platform of opportunity for scientific research with the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion