Sardà, C. et al (2011): AzoresPhotoID: First Results from an Open-Access Photo-Identification Catalog

Sardà et al. (2011) presented the first results from the AzoresPhotoID catalog, which uses photo-identification to track cetacean species in the Azores, revealing sightings of 700 individuals from seven different species between 2003 and 2010.

Objectives

To create an open-access photo-identification catalog for cetaceans in the Azores, utilizing photos from whale and dolphin watching operators, tourists, and local researchers.
To catalog sightings of individual cetaceans and assess patterns of interannual resightings for species such as Bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales, and Risso’s Dolphins.
To evaluate the effectiveness of opportunistic photo-identification in studying cetacean populations and understanding their spatial and temporal patterns.

Impact

700 ceteceans from seven species identified

Over a 7 year period 2003-2010 the AzoresPhotoID catalog was able to identify and catalogue close to 700 cetaceans from seven species. According to the study, Bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales and Risso’s Dolphins showed inter annual sighting pattern, which indicates that these species prefer the Azorean waters. This project emphasizes the value of opportunistic image collection as a resource for photo-identification and monitoring at the population level, of cetacean populations. Additional collaboration and expansion of the catalog will help us understand more about cetacean migration and behavior in the area.

Supported UN Global Goals

This project addresses Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), by developing the catalogue AzoresPhotoID, an important tool for the study and conservation of cetaceans in the Azores, a biodiversity hotspot. The project is an open access database that, through public participation, helps keep track of cetacean populations, and ultimately informs marine conservation, and sustainable tourism.