Sustainability Report 2004

Environmental aspects

Humpback whales

Studies begun in 2001 by researchers from the Humpback Whale Institute, in partnership with Aracruz Celulose, Veracel and the shipping company Norsul, indicate that approximately 3,000 whales annually visit the coast of Espírito Santo and Bahia between July and November, with a higher concentration of individuals in the region of the Abrolhos bank, formed by the widening of the Brazilian continental shelf.

Some 55 hours of flyovers totaling around 2,100 nautical miles were recorded in 2004. Observations included 436 humpback whales, 2 southern right whales, 1 sperm whale, 2 minke whales and other small cetaceans. In addition to the aerial survey, the researchers used boat trips to observe whale behavior, the presence of calves and the composition of cetacean groups in the region.

The data collated has provided a basis for estimating the population size of humpback whales visiting the region, as well as enabling the proposal of alternative routes for barges transporting eucalyptus through locations where there is a lower concentration of the animals, especially females with calves.

Learn more about the humpback The humpback whale is the fifth largest on the planet, capable of reaching 16 meters in length and weighing up to 40 tons. Calves typically ingest more than 100 liters of milk per day. Commercial whaling was practiced until the mid-20th century, leading the species to the brink of extinction. Thanks to conservation programs developed in Brazil and other countries, its population has begun to recover. Further information on the topic can be obtained from the Humpback Whale Institute’s site www.baleiajubarte.com.br.