Analysis of benthic foraminifera in the reproductive area of right whales (Eubalaena australis) in the Western South Atlantic

Susceptibility and vulnerability to impacts make Cetaceans Benthic Foraminifera sentinels of health in marine environments. A breeding population Right whales (Eubalaena australis) annually migrates the “Environmental Protection Area” Santa Catarina, Brazil, where Ribanceira/Ibiraquera Bay, its harbor, are located. Since rest shallow areas, their stomachs touch sediment bottom, foraminiferal assemblages inhabits. Temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, grain size, morphometry, magnetic susceptibility correlated species, contribute understanding habitat preference for right whales. Here we show saline waters northern areas associated with Pseudononion atlanticum, Elphidium sp., Buccella peruviana, Quinqueloculina patagonica, 21°C temperature is preferred by mother calf pairs. The harbor has lower higher temperatures, susceptibility, high depth due dredging. These characteristics do not support presence whales, top food pyramid, so decline or increase indicates changes habitat. We stress importance unravelling signals Nekton coupling whales’ habitat; ensure recovery populations, survival other species ecosystem.