The Peninsula Valdez and the mainland were originally inhabited by the Tehuelche people, hunter gatherers. In 1779 the Spanish arrived but on the peninsula their stay was short lived, about 30 years. I have seen some references to hostilities with the Tehuleche (this would need to be confirmed). Anyway the next Europeans who founded a settlement were the Welsh in the 19th and 20th centuries and they seemed to live in relative harmony with the Tehuleche. They brought in salt production, heavy whale and seal hunting.
The Right Whale was named this because it was the right whale to kill. You must consider this in the context of that day and this animal was a food and resource source for the colonisers. The heavy whaling had a severe impact on the Southern Wright Whales population and in 1935 global protection was introduced after near extinction of the species.
The Southern Right Whale is one of three species of right whales and they eat krill. They are large and active on the surface and often near to the coast, they are also curious about boats so you can imagine that they were very easy to kill. World protection was established in 1935. Thankfully the peninsula is now a marine conservation area.
Jayne and I took an hour and half boat ride to see these beautiful gentle creatures up close. It was astounding they are curious and a mother an calf came close to the boat. the captain shut off the engines and we could see them just under water. Unfortunately my photos can never do it justice.
Another breached and then we got an iconic site of the tail. Jane was cross she missed the breach with her camera. It was so quick so I can understand her frustration.
The Travelling Bee 