Hello everyone! I'm still in the middle of my sample collection campaigns, but I’d like to start sharing more about my study area and the species I work with.

The Península Valdeés (PV) is surrounded by two gulfs: to the north, there's the San José Gulf, and to the south, the Nuevo Gulf. The PV is an area that never fails to amaze with its landscapes, flora, and fauna. It's one of the top tourist destinations in the region, and Dr. William Conway famously referred to it as the 'Serengeti of marine mammals.' Various species of marine mammals can be spotted along the coast of the PV, whether they’re passing through or living here as permanent or seasonal residents.

I’m sharing this video with you, filmed by one of my advisors, Dr. Valeria D’Agostino, with all the necessary permits granted by the province of Chubut. The video was shot in the San José Gulf during a zooplankton sampling as part of her study on Southern right whales' exposure to phycotoxins. In it, you can see a group of Dusky dolphins (Laghenorhynchus obscurus), Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) , and South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens).

Southern right whales stay in the PV from June to December. Although it is a calving and breeding area, Southern right whales also feed in the two gulfs surrounding the PV, with this activity becoming increasingly common. On the other hand, Dusky dolphins are found year-round in the gulfs surrounding the Peninsula, with larger groups observed during the summer months. South American sea lions, too, are present year-round, but their numbers increase during the summer breeding season.

I hope you enjoy the video and that the images amaze you as much as they amaze us. The Península Valdés is an incredibly rich area full of life, and it’s definitely worth exploring!

I’ll be sharing more information soon about the species that call this place home, as well as details from my field and lab work!