González, L. et al (2016): Understanding Blue Whales off Azores: Assessing Habitat Preferences and Temporal Distribution

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.

Gallery

Blue Whale São Miguel Azores Futurismo Whale Watching Azores

Blue Whale São Miguel Azores Futurismo Whale Watching Azores

Learn more about this species

Learn more about this species

Futurismo Projects News

Blainville's Beaked Whale Azores57

Aguilar de Soto, N. et al. (2017): True’s beaked whale in Macaronesia

David Rodrigues | Common dolphins hunting on the South Coast of São Miguel island

Fernandez, M. et al (2011): Modeling the distribution of cetaceans using opportunistic presence-only data in São Miguel Island

David Rodrigues | Common Dolphins

Fernandez, M. (2009): Differences in spatial distribution of two small delphinids in two islands of the Azores Archipelago

Other Projects

MORE PROJECTS

Explore Azores

Adventure awaits

Newsletter

Subscribe to keep up to date about our company’s news and discounts

SITEMAP

TERMS & CONDITIONS

COMPLAINTS BOOK

About Us

OUR PURPOSE
OUR STORY
WHO WE ARE
WHY FUTURISMO

Honors & Alliances

ASSOCIATIVISM
AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS
CERTIFICATIONS
MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

Social Media

Info & Reservations

info@futurismo.pt
Tel. (+351) 296 628 522
Mobile. (+351) 967 805 101

Licences

MT 22/2009 (Açores)
AT 09/2011/RA (Açores)

Tours & Islands

SITEMAP
TERMS & CONDITIONS
B2B PARTNERS
PRIVACY POLICY
COMPLAINTS BOOK

Partners

Info & Reservations

info@futurismo.pt
Tel. (+351) 296 628 522
Mobile. (+351) 967 805 101

Licences

MT 22/2009 (Açores)
AT 09/2011/RA (Açores)

Certifications

All rights reserved. Copyright © 2022 - Futurismo

|

design by: WEBOOST.PT

LAST NEWS

Earlybird Discount: Enjoy a 10% discount if booking with 30 days in advance by using the Promo code EARLYBIRD on the checkout of your Whale Watching tour Mix & Save: Enjoy a 10% Discount on your Second Tour operated by Futurismo and 15% on the next ones Contact us via chat (working days only) or the +351 296 628 522

x