Scientists investigate rising whale calf deaths in Argentina

Researchers are investigating an unusually high number of southern right whale calves washing ashore around Argentina’s Valdes Peninsula, a major breeding ground. Their long-term monitoring confirms the deaths are unusual, but the cause has not been established. The leading hypothesis is that kelp gulls’ attacks leave wounds through which marine bacteria can enter; scientists have detected bacteria in some samples and are testing them to determine whether infection caused the deaths. Researchers are examining carcasses and collecting tissue samples, while withholding an official toll until the breeding season ends.