We have started the 2025 beach surveys!

 

Pablo crawling to pick up a sea lion's body.

Over the next weeks, the team will be surveying the beaches, looking for sea lion carcasses. We will visit multiple colonies along the Península Valdés coast as these tend to have higher animal densities, making carcasses more likely to be found.

So, what happens if we find a sea lion carcass near a colony? We must approach carefully, crawling toward the beach to minimize disturbance. Once we've located the carcass, we move it to a safer location for sampling. A wildlife ranger accompanies us to ensure the safety of both the team and the animals. This activity is conducted under special permits granted by provincial authorities, as marine mammals are protected species, and our work is carried out within designated marine protected areas.