Fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the Azores from 2006 to 2012 were analyzed temporally by Sardà et al. (2013), and seasonal patterns with peak sighting rates in spring were identified.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to analyze the temporal distribution of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) in the Azores, comparing seasonal patterns of sighting records around the archipelago during a 6 year period (2006–2012). The aim of the research was to understand how the Azores came into the whales’ migratory routes.

Impact

Baleen whales seen in the study included fin whales (34.84% of the baleen whale sightings). They were followed by sei whales 34.57%.
Sightings were predominantly in April and May but sightings spanned the whole year with few sightings in other months.
The study indicates that these species use the Azores as an important seasonal habitat specifically in spring, and stresses the importance of continued monitoring to refine understanding of baleen whale migration dynamics in the area.

Supported UN Global Goals

The temporal distribution of baleen whales in the Azores, an important area of baleen whale migration and which contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), was studied by Sardà et al. (2013). The study supports marine biodiversity conservation and informs practice of sustainable tourism (particularly whale watching) by taking advantage of seasonal trends.