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<p>Cetacean studies in Antarctic ecosystems are challenged by information gaps on population dynamics and spatio-temporal distributions. Using multi-temporal data collected over 12 campaigns (2010–2024) aboard five different vessels of opportunity, we applied kernel density estimation and encounter rate to answer: (1) what are the main distribution and areas of high density and overlap of fin, humpback, blue, and minke whales during the last decade in the Southern Ocean? (2) Do the occurrence records and spatial distributions of the target species overlap with established and proposed marine protected areas (MPAs)?. Results show a latitudinal gradient with overlaps (between parallels 60° and 65° S). Humpback whales show a wide latitudinal distribution (55° to 70° S); in contrast, fin are primarily distributed in the Southern Ocean in northern areas of the Antarctic Circle (55° to 65° S). Blue whales are found predominantly south of the circle (60° to 70° S), and minke whales, which have the broadest range (55° to 77° S), are linked to areas south of the Circle. Although the South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf MPA is minimally overlapped with species occurrences,&#xa0;providing minimal protection (fin 0.8%, humpback 7.5%, blue 0%, and minke whales 0.1%), overlap increases substantially when considering the proposed Antarctic Peninsula and South Scotia Arc MPA and Weddell Sea&#xa0;Phase 1 MPA: fin 33.6%, humpback 51.0%, blue 25.0%, and minke whales 56.6%. These results support and reaffirmed the strategic design of MPAs, demonstrating which regions are most crucial for baleen whale conservation and highlighting opportunities for expanding protection beyond the current MPA, suggesting that the proposed ones are aligned with protecting key critical areas for cetaceans.</p>

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The proposed marine protected areas could make a difference for baleen whales in Antarctica

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月11日

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  • Agostina Sanda Vitale,
  • José Luís Orgeira,
  • Paula Benedetti,
  • Facundo Alvarez

摘要

Cetacean studies in Antarctic ecosystems are challenged by information gaps on population dynamics and spatio-temporal distributions. Using multi-temporal data collected over 12 campaigns (2010–2024) aboard five different vessels of opportunity, we applied kernel density estimation and encounter rate to answer: (1) what are the main distribution and areas of high density and overlap of fin, humpback, blue, and minke whales during the last decade in the Southern Ocean? (2) Do the occurrence records and spatial distributions of the target species overlap with established and proposed marine protected areas (MPAs)?. Results show a latitudinal gradient with overlaps (between parallels 60° and 65° S). Humpback whales show a wide latitudinal distribution (55° to 70° S); in contrast, fin are primarily distributed in the Southern Ocean in northern areas of the Antarctic Circle (55° to 65° S). Blue whales are found predominantly south of the circle (60° to 70° S), and minke whales, which have the broadest range (55° to 77° S), are linked to areas south of the Circle. Although the South Orkney Islands Southern Shelf MPA is minimally overlapped with species occurrences, providing minimal protection (fin 0.8%, humpback 7.5%, blue 0%, and minke whales 0.1%), overlap increases substantially when considering the proposed Antarctic Peninsula and South Scotia Arc MPA and Weddell Sea Phase 1 MPA: fin 33.6%, humpback 51.0%, blue 25.0%, and minke whales 56.6%. These results support and reaffirmed the strategic design of MPAs, demonstrating which regions are most crucial for baleen whale conservation and highlighting opportunities for expanding protection beyond the current MPA, suggesting that the proposed ones are aligned with protecting key critical areas for cetaceans.