Ecuador Research

Off the Ecuadorian mainland, humpback whales are found in the marine area of Machalilla National Park from June to October. Over recent years a small whalewatching industry has developed in the fishing village of Puerto Lopez.

Pacific Whale Foundation's Ecuador research projects examine  the distribution and abundance of humpback whales found off the coast of Puerto Lopez, Manabi, Ecuador, and the interactions of small cetaceans with artisinal fisheries operating in Machalilla National Park. To learn more, please click on the project titles below. 

• Understand the current status of conservation of small cetaceans in the National Park Machalilla.
• Seek alternatives for the conservation of small cetaceans and for fishermen.

Population, Distribution and Abundance of Humpback Whales and other Cetaceans in Machalilla National Park
• Identify and monitor the population of humpback whales in the National Park Machalilla
• Analyze, classify and compare new photographs of humpback previous years.
• Compare the Ecuadorian catalog with other catalogs in Latin America, Antarctica and the Pacific.
• Promote the development of knowledge, attitudes and abilities related to the conservation of the environment and improve the quality of life of the local communities along the Ecuadorian coast.  
• Publish our results at all levels local, scientific and media.

Photo-identification of dolphins in the Cojimies River Estuary
• Identify and monitor cetaceans in estuaries in Esmeraldas and Cojimies.
• Document the habitat use and population status of small cetacean.
• Provide recommendations for local managers to conserve these habitats for small cetaceans.

• Expand PWF’s research and whalewatch expertise from southern Ecuador to
northern Peru.
• Standardize research methodologies between Peru and Ecuador, and develop
collaborative research efforts
• Train guides, observers and researchers in cetacean photo-identification and
data collection.