Humpback Migration Reaches Brazilian Coast, Cities Reissue Viewing Rules

Overview

• The seasonal humpback run is underway along the Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo coasts with confirmed sightings in Saquarema and a paddler’s recorded near‑miss between Santos and Guarujá in mid‑June.
• Local governments and researchers are publicizing existing rules to limit disturbance, citing Ibama Portaria 117/96’s 100‑metre active approach limit for vessels.
• Saquarema’s municipal protocol adds tighter measures by requiring at least 100 metres for swimmers and non‑motor craft, more than 300 metres for motor vessels, limits of two boats at a time, and observation windows of 30 minutes or 15 minutes when calves are present.
• Scientists warn that close approaches, concentrated boat traffic and underwater noise change whale behavior, raise stress hormones and can force mothers to expend energy they need for birthing and nursing.
• Whale‑watching drives both tourism and risk: the IWC cites over 13 million annual participants and large economic value globally while separate research flags ship strikes and cumulative threats that can cause substantial whale mortality.