Orcas (Orcinus orca) are widely distributed in the North Atlantic, but their conservation status remains data-deficient, especially in mid-Atlantic waters like the Azores. This study aimed to create a photo-identification catalogue of orcas off São Miguel Island and assess their temporal distribution to improve knowledge of their population structure and movement patterns.

Impact

In total, 55 orcas were also identified and 46 sightings over 15 years. Most orca sightings were between March and May; a few individuals were re-sighted multiple months and years. While such rights can provide additional levels of protection for whales and other cetaceans thereby moving ocean conservation towards its optimal latitude, the study underscores the value of whale watching data for long term monitoring, and suggests that additional comparisons with other North Atlantic orca catalogues could improve understanding of orca population structure, distribution and conservation needs.

Supported UN Global Goals

UN SDG 14 (Life Below Water) are the foundation of Georgina Cabayol’s work as this study increases knowledge of orca (Orcinus orca) populations in the Azores. The research supports marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable whale watching practices, and attempts to understand the population structure and movement pattern for better ecosystem management, through photo identification and temporal distribution analysis.