WCA Partner Happy Whale have been collaborating with marine scientists along the West coast of South America to answer this question. With thanks to citizen science for providing photographs of their sightings, 16 of the humpback whales which were identified off the coast of Esmereldas and Manabi were sighted once again feeding off the Western Antarctic Peninsula. 

Keeping track of these mammals along their migration is vital in the effort of minimising the anthropogenic dangers they face annually. Citizen science through reported sightings and photographs are an extremely effective way of gaining scientific data and goes a great distance in protecting the marine mammals that inhabit our planet. 

A huge congratulations to expert researcher Judith Denkinger and also the rest of the CETACEA Ecuador team for recapturing the photographs of these whales in Antarctic waters. To keep up to date with the whales, make sure to follow CETACEA Ecuador and Happy Whale.