Ta'oraha Rapa Nui Project
Cetaceans diversity, abundance and habitat use remain unknown in the Marine Protected Area of Rapa Nui due to the lack of directed research. Here we aim to perform a citizen science study to characterize the presence of cetaceans species, seasonallity and habitat use. By the biopsy sampling of skin tissue we will analyze persistent organic pollutants and this will help to consider cetaceans as sentinel species of marine plastic pollution in Rapa Nui. |
Plastic Nests:
Since 2018 we are monitoring the nesting colony of red legged cormorants (Phalacrocorax gaimardi) which are using plastic as nesting material in shipping ports of Mejillones. To date we know that most of the plastic is from industrial origing followed by domestic and fishing. Moreover, cormorants are acummulating heavy metal in their organism through ingestion or may be the plastic is a vector of heavy metal pollution to the seabirds. This project is partially funded by the Pacific Seabird Group Conservation Fund Grants. https://pacificseabirdgroup.org/grants/grant-recipients/ pacificseabirdgroup.org/grants/grant-recipients/ |
Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) size and sex in Mejillones Peninsula
Since 2016 we are studying the distribution, abundance, residency patterns, size, sex and collision risk in fin whales in the Mejillones Peninsula. Using different techniques such as photo identification, drone photogrametry, skin biopsy samples, heavy metal analysis, genetics, sex hormones and cortisol. |
Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) skin health
Skin is indicative of natural predators and anthropogenic threats in fin whales. We analyze natural predators (killer whales and cookiecutter shark bites) and anthropogenic activities (collision, entanglement and pollution) scars in the skin of fin whales by photograph analysis. |
Foraging ecology of fin whales in northern Chile
Since 2020 we are taking skin biopsy samples for stable isotope analysis (C, N and S) of fin whales and their potential preys in Mejillones Peninsula. We observed fin whales foraging in austral summer and winter months, with large aggregations in winter. The results showed that krill is their main prey in the Humboldt Current System, but some whales have isotopic signatures indicating foraging in high latitudes. |
Whale-watching effects on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) behaviour in Peru
Since 2015 we are studying the positive and negative effects of whale-watching in humpback whales in Los Organos (Peru). Currently we are estimating the behaviour changes in mother-calf pairs during the presence of whale-watching vessels by the use of drones. This study is funded by Rufford Foundation Grants. |
Foraging ecology of humpback whales in their novel foraging ground of northern Chile
Since 2020 we are obtaining skin tissue samples of humpback whales foraging in Antofagastsa Region to analyze stable isotopes (C, N and S). We are obtaining also samples of their potential preys (anchovy, krill, zooplankton) in order to assess their isotopic niche and prey preferences. |
Burmeister's porpoise (Phocoena spinipinnis) population health status
Since 2018 we are studying the distribution, abundance, habitat use and population health of Burmeister's porpoises in Mejillones Bay (Chile). They can be observed year-round foraging on anchovy and with calves. We assisst to Burmeister's porpoise strandings and assess their causes of death. This study was funded by the Porpoise Conservation Society. |
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in northern Chile
During our boat surveys we register data of leatherback sea turtles distribution, behaviour, size and skin biopsies in order to assess their foraging ecology in northern Chile. We aim to analyze their abundance, distribution and habitat use. |
Marine top predators archaeology in the Humboldt Current System
Since 2021 we are studying the trophic ecology of marine top predators (seabirds, cetaceans and pinnipeds) in the Humboldt Current System by analyzing the archaeological rests in the shell middens of the changos ancestral human communities. |