González García, L. et al (2022): Sympatric baleen whales choose different habitat conditions in São Miguel

González García et al. (2022) explored habitat preferences of fin and sei whales in the Azores, finding distinct environmental preferences for each species despite overlapping distributions.

Objectives

To analyze the habitat preferences of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) around São Miguel Island, Azores.
To investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of both species using whale-watching data from 2008 to 2014.
To explore the role of environmental variables in shaping the habitat selection of these species, including factors such as sea surface temperature gradients, chlorophyll concentrations, and oceanographic dynamics.

Impact

The two species of interest in this study, fin and sei whales, are both sympatric in the Azores, with similar geographical ranges but distinct preferences in habitat use. The fin whales was more concentrated in the colder waters and regions with dynamic oceanography having high chlorophyll and eddy kinetic energy. Sei whale distribution was, however, associated with steeper SST gradients and less time spent in feeding than fin whales. The work also shows that dynamic oceanographic conditions play a significant role in the distribution of both species and gives suggestions for their conservation and effective management in the region, with future climate change in mind.

Supported UN Global Goals

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), González García et al. (2022) help increase the understanding of the fin and sei whales habitat preferences in Azores. The research informs sustainable management of marine ecosystems in the region and supports conservation efforts for migratory species by identifying the environmental factors affecting their distribution.