projects 2019

PATAGONIA – something blue

Since 2015, BLUE has been gathering evidence to justify the designation of a vast marine protected area (MPA) in the Gulf of Peñas in Chilean Patagonia. This still pristine wilderness is a feeding ground for huge numbers of baleen whales. BLUE’s research vessel was the first to discover the world’s largest mass mortality of Sei whales in 2016 and has been monitoring strandings and behaviour ever since. The gulf is also at the southern end of the spread of destructive salmon farming and could be a strategic buffer to prevent further encroachment. Ahead of COP 25 in Chile in November 2019, BLUE is seeking to build a strong case for the protection of the entire gulf and adjoining fjord systems. The MPA will help protect the whales and incredible biodiversity of the Gulf.