Whale watchers off the coast of northern Patagonia were treated to a stunning discovery in late July. It was a rare white southern right whale swimming alongside an enormous whale, presumably its mother. The calf has captured the attention of marine biologists hoping to track its whereabouts. It is an extraordinary discovery as exciting as the first sighting of the solitary white whale, Migaloo.
An Amazing Discovery
The rare sighting occurred in the coastal waters of Argentina, specifically in the northern part of Patagonia. This area is known for its rich marine biodiversity, but spotting a white southern right whale is an exceedingly rare event. The white whale was captured on video by Agustín Baraschi, who shared it on social media, after which it went viral.
White Whale Sightings Are Rare
Typically, southern right whales are known for their dark, stocky bodies with distinct white patches. However, this whale stood out due to its entirely white coloration. White whale sightings are rare worldwide, with the last sighting being an extremely rare white Omura’s whale off the coast of Phuket, Thailand.
Possible Causes of the White Coloration
Experts suggest that the white coloration of the whale could be due to a genetic condition. Albinism, which causes a complete lack of pigmentation, or leucism, which results in partial loss of pigmentation, are the most likely explanations for the whale’s unusual appearance. The whale was seen swimming alongside a typically colored southern right whale, believed to be a possible mother-calf pair. Scientists feel the calf was only a few days old.
Southern Right Whale, A Few Facts
According to the NOAA Fisheries southern right whales inhabit the Southern Hemisphere, migrating between feeding grounds in high latitudes and breeding areas in low latitudes. These robust and stocky baleen whales feature a typical black body with white patches on their chin and belly. Characterized by large heads with visible callosities and lacking a dorsal fin, southern right whales can grow up to 56 feet in length and weigh as much as 176,000 pounds.
The Most Famous White Whale in Marine History
Perhaps the most famous white whale in marine history is the famous Migaloo, a solitary whale often seen alone without a pod. Migaloo was an all-white humpback first sighted on the Australian east coast near Byron Bay. After that there have been various sightings of Migaloo, the last in 2020. Migaloo, which means “White Fella” in the Aborigine language, is believed to be dead, but several marine scientists think he is still alive and well.
Ecological Significance
Southern right whales are a significant species in the marine ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the balance of oceanic life. The sighting of a white whale brings attention to the unique genetic variations within the species and highlights the importance of preserving marine habitats.
Conservation Efforts and Threats
Southern right whales face numerous threats, including entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, and habitat degradation due to coastal industrialization. Climate change also poses significant risks by altering water conditions and dynamics. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these majestic creatures and ensure their survival.
Public and Scientific Reactions
Whale watchers and marine biologists are thrilled by this rare encounter, which underscores the importance of continued research and conservation efforts in aquatic environments. Migaloo s popularity, along with similar white whale sightings, has led to the Queensland government laying down strict regulations that protect such whales greater than ninety percent in color. Humans are banned from approaching within 500 meters of white whales. Hopefully, the white calf will grow to be an adult, which is when it will be an extraordinary specimen.
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