González, L. et al (2013): Temporal distribution and photographic identification of blue whales off São Miguel

González et al. (2013) studied blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) sightings off São Miguel, Azores, between 2006 and 2012, finding they pass through mainly from March to May. 45 individuals were identified.

Objective

Analyze the temporal distribution of photo-identification of blue whales

This study of González et al. (2013) attempts to analyze the temporal distribution of photographic identification of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the vicinity of São Miguel Island, Azores, from 2006 to 2012. Apart from blue whales which are regularly sighted in the region during migration, this study aims to gain a better understanding of their patterns of migration and the environmental conditions associated with movement.

Impact

The study identified 45 blue whales, with 8 individuals being resighted on consecutive days. The temporal distribution showed that the whales pass through the area mainly between March and May, accounting for 92.3% of sightings. The study suggests further analysis with data on chlorophyll and sea surface temperature to better understand the environmental factors influencing blue whale movements and proposes a comparison with other population catalogs from the Atlantic.

Supported UN Global Goals

Contribution of this work is to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), studying the temporal distribution of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) in the Azores by González et al. (2013). Research helps to fill voids in understanding of blue whale migration patterns and habitat use which supports marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable marine management of whale populations of the region. The Azores were identified as a seasonal foraging area for this endangered species.