González et al. (2016) assessed blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) habitat preferences and temporal distribution off São Miguel, Azores, from 2008 to 2014, using Generalized Additive Models (GAM) and environmental variables such as bathymetry, slope, chlorophyll, and sea surface temperature.

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate habitat preferences and temporal distribution of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) around São Miguel Island, Azores. The factors driving blue whale presence were examined based on whale watching data collected in 2008 to 2014 using whale watching data collected in 2008 to 2014.

Impact

The study found that blue whales preferred deep, cold waters further than 10 km from the coast, with a preference for areas with low SSH, likely linked to cyclonic eddies and local upwelling.
The analysis of photo-identifications revealed interannual resightings of individuals, suggesting long-term traveling companions.
The study highlights the importance of dynamic oceanographic features in determining blue whale habitat and calls for the incorporation of mesoscale circulation features in future models.

Supported UN Global Goals

González et al. (2016) contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) in the Azores by improving our knowledge of blue whale habitat preferences and distribution patterns. It emphasizes the need for dynamic oceanographic features such as cyclonic eddies and local upwelling events when setting conservation and sustainable management priorities for the marine ecosystems of the region.