Biblioteca

The Galapagos Marine Reserve supports cetaceans such as blue whales by providing essential foraging areas and resting areas. From 2021 to 2023, a study utilized satellite tags on 16 blue whales to monitor their movements and gain insights into their interactions with the marine environment. This involved the identification of their feeding grounds, indicated by chlorophyll levels, surface water temperature (SST), and ocean productivity. The study revealed that blue whales prefer areas with presumed increased prey abundance, cooler water temperatures,and specific underwater features such as ridges that likely enhance favored food sources. Most of the tagged whales remained in the Galapagos, particularly near Isabela Island, where there is an elevated risk of collisions with boats due to increased marine traffic. Some whales ventured into Ecuador’s waters, and one even traveled to Peru. In 2023, an intense El Niño event led to changes in water temperatures and food availability, significantly impacting whale habitats. This research contributes to efforts to protect whales from ship collisions and understand and adapt to changes in their migration patterns due to climate variations.