Martins, R. et al (2019): Residency Patterns of Risso’s Dolphins off São Miguel and Inter-Island Matches with Pico Island

Martins et al. (2019) studied the residency patterns and inter-island movements of Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) off São Miguel and Pico, Azores, using a photo-ID catalog developed from whale-watching data.

Objective

Study the residency patterns and social structure of the Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Azores, particularly of animals on São Miguel and S. Miguel-Pico interisland movements. The research seeked to gain insight into the temporal movements of dolphins and into their social dynamics.

Conclusions

The study identified 12 resident dolphins forming a nursing pod off São Miguel, with most dolphins classified as transients. Inter-island matches showed that individuals from São Miguel were occasionally resighted off Pico, suggesting migration or social connectivity between islands.
The results underscore the importance of the photo-ID method in studying social structure and movement patterns of Risso’s dolphins and call for more research to explore the dynamics between dolphin populations across the Azores.

Supported UN Global Goals

Martins et al. (2019) extend the understanding of Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) social structure and residency in the Azores in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. The study’s analysis of photo identification data supports marine biodiversity conservation, highlights the need for inter island connectivity, and promotes sustainable tourism through whale watching operations.