https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50040890
Scientists developing techniques to count great whales from space say the largest ever recorded mass stranding event was probably underestimated.
The carcasses of 343 sei whales were spotted on remote beaches in Patagonia, Chile, in 2015 - but this survey work was conducted from planes and boats, and carried out many weeks after the deaths actually occurred.
However, an analysis of high-resolution satellite images of the area taken much closer in time to the stranding has now identified many more bodies.
It's difficult to give a precise total for the number of whales involved but in one sample picture examined by researchers, the count was nearly double.
With this calling upon the help of wildlife authorities to relocate these whales is now easier than ever, this also provides a more direct triangulation of whales which could lead to the prevention of illegal whale harvestings as well as help to relocate whale carcasses.
Scientists developing techniques to count great whales from space say the largest ever recorded mass stranding event was probably underestimated.
The carcasses of 343 sei whales were spotted on remote beaches in Patagonia, Chile, in 2015 - but this survey work was conducted from planes and boats, and carried out many weeks after the deaths actually occurred.
However, an analysis of high-resolution satellite images of the area taken much closer in time to the stranding has now identified many more bodies.
It's difficult to give a precise total for the number of whales involved but in one sample picture examined by researchers, the count was nearly double.
With this calling upon the help of wildlife authorities to relocate these whales is now easier than ever, this also provides a more direct triangulation of whales which could lead to the prevention of illegal whale harvestings as well as help to relocate whale carcasses.