Leal, M. (2021): Photo identification and habitat preferences of a migrant ocean traveller in São Miguel, Azores

Explore the migratory journey of sei whales in São Miguel, Azores, through a comprehensive master’s thesis. Delve into the updated photo identification catalog from 2008 to 2020, uncovering habitat preferences and understanding how these ocean travelers navigate the vibrant marine corridor.

Objective

1) Determine sei whale migration direction. 2) Update photo identification catalog (2008-2020). 3) Analyze habitat preferences (depth, slope, temperature, etc.). 4) Assess temporal distribution and residency patterns.

The primary objectives of this investigation were to determine the predominant migration direction of sei whales in São Miguel, Azores, and update the photo identification catalog spanning from 2008 to 2020. Additionally, it aimed to analyze habitat preferences in relation to various environmental variables, including depth, slope, ocean temperature, and altimetry data, while assessing temporal distribution patterns and residency characteristics of these whales in the study area.

Impact

Sei Whales' altered migration patterns and temperature-driven habitat selection in São Miguel, Azores.

1) Suggest a potential delay in sei whales’ arrival over the study period. 2) Identify a predominant northwest migration direction in spring and summer. 3) Indicate a likely south-southeast movement in autumn. 4) Create a catalog of 87 sei whales with minimal residency around São Miguel. 5) Suggest the potential use of the archipelago as a navigation reference during migration. 6) Demonstrate habitat preferences for cooler temperatures, low temperature gradients, high chlorophyll-a levels, and depths exceeding 500 meters. 7. Highlight the influence of temperature and its gradient on habitat preferences. 8) Emphasize the dynamic nature of sei whales’ habitat preferences over time. 9) Provide valuable insights into sei whale occurrence in São Miguel, essential for conservation efforts for this migratory species.

Supported UN Global Goals

Maria Leal’s master thesis, conducted during her internship at Futurismo Azores Adventures and based on the company’s extensive data, holds significant relevance to both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14, “Life below Water,” and Futurismo’s commitment to sustainable marine tourism. By uncovering the intricate migration patterns and habitat preferences of sei whales passing through São Miguel, this study contributes directly to the understanding and conservation of marine life within the Azores archipelago, aligning seamlessly with Goal #14’s aims of preserving marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Moreover, the research underscores Futurismo Azores Adventures’ dedication to responsible tourism and marine conservation, as it not only enriches our knowledge of the region’s megafauna but also provides crucial insights for the development of effective conservation strategies and sustainable tourism practices, thus fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and the marine environment.