The 2024 field season of the Farol das Baleias project yielded significant findings on the ecology, health, and behavior of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in southern Brazil. Over 106 days, 420 drone flights were conducted, providing 120 hours of observation time and 45 hours of video footage. A total of 246 individual whales were identified, including 26 re-encounters from previous years – an indication of their site fidelity.
Drone photogrammetry was used to document the physical condition of 41 lactating females and 56 calves. Observations showed that mother-calf pairs spend about 10% of their time engaging in social interactions. Six cases of entanglement in fishing gear were recorded, but all right whales were later sighted free again – proof of the importance of monitoring and protective measures.
The Farol das Baleias project also placed great emphasis on public relations: educational activities with interactive formats and citizen science took place in Torres. Participation in international conferences promoted scientific networking. Publications, a new doctoral project, and the first "Whale Festival of Torres" are planned for 2025.
Report 2024, PDF: Report Farol das Baleias 2024