In this study, González García (2011) examined how sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sightings off the south coast of São Miguel relate to bathymetry, seabed slope and bottom aspect, using 734 sightings collected during whale-watching trips in 2010.

Objectives

Understanding Sperm Whale Habitat Use off São Miguel

This Master’s thesis aimed to examine the relationship between sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sightings and three physical characteristics of the seabed: depth, slope and bottom aspect. Using 734 sightings collected during whale-watching trips in 2010, the study applied Geographic Information Systems and basic statistical analyses to identify the environmental features most frequently associated with sperm whale occurrence.

Impact

Sperm whales were strongly associated with deep, sloping waters, revealing clear habitat patterns linked to feeding ecology and São Miguel’s volcanic seabed

The study found that 73.84% of sightings occurred between 700 and 1300 metres depth, with a mean depth of 1031.66 metres. Most sightings were also recorded over moderate slopes, with 50% occurring between 5% and 10%, while 57.55% were associated with a SSE-oriented seabed. These patterns may reflect the distribution of meso- and bathypelagic cephalopods, the main prey of sperm whales, and the steep volcanic topography surrounding São Miguel.

Supported UN Global Goals

This investigation contributes directly to SDG #14, Life Below Water, by improving scientific knowledge of sperm whale habitat use and distribution around São Miguel Island. By linking sightings with bathymetry, slope and seabed orientation, the study provides an important baseline for understanding the physical characteristics of areas frequently used by sperm whales. It also demonstrates the scientific value of opportunistic data collected during whale-watching operations, supporting long-term monitoring and more informed marine conservation.