Southern right whale Eubalaena australis in Golfo San Matias (Patagonia, Argentina): Evidence of recolonisation

Since the 1980s, the distribution range of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) in Argentina was mostly located in the winter calving grounds around Peninsula Valdes. After the international moratorium that forbade the commercial hunting, southern right whales have shown signs of recovery during the last few decades. Nowadays, it is thought that the species is experiencing a density-dependent process while expanding its distribution range in Patagonia. From 2007 to 2016, data on right whale distribution, group composition and relative abundance were collected in Golfo San Matias, Patagonia through aerial surveys. Generalized linear models with a negative binomial error distribution were used to determine the population trend of right whales in this area. In addition, the group composition and the relative abundance of right whales among the northern Patagonian gulfs were compared. Finally, a literature review was conducted to assess the historical presence of right whales in Golfo San Matias, revealing the presence of right whales in Golfo San Matias during and after the commercial exploitation. During aerial surveys (2007-2016), right whales were observed from August to October in the area, with a peak in late August-early September. Our results suggested a geographic distribution change with a regular use of the northwest coast of the gulf in recent years and a positive trend in the population growth rate inside Golfo San Matias. This area was dominated by unaccompanied whales (solitary individuals and breeding groups) as opposed to Peninsula Valdes where the dominant group type was the mother calf pairs. Therefore, Golfo San Matias appears to be important for socializing and mating but not as a nursery ground. In addition, the density of whales was four times greater in the gulfs of Peninsula Valdes. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the recovery of this species in Patagonia, Argentina and should be considered for the management measures for right whales in this region.