Whale Watch Azores - the holiday that makes a difference

The Research

Our main research subject is the sperm whale, the largest of the toothed whales and we are using photo-identification analysis (photo-ID) to try and determine population size and migration patterns. Sperm whales develop a unique pattern along the trailing edge of their tail due to fatigue and this pattern can be used to identify individual animals. Since 1993 we have identified nearly 600 animals and by comparing our photos with the rest of the North Atlantic, we have found animals seen in the Azores that have also been seen in the Canaries and Madeira.

How You Can Help

Participating on one of our tours funds the research we do so you do not have to do any work while on board and you are free to sit back and relax.

We have a full crew on board taking care of all the chores and research and the atmosphere on board is very relaxed and informal.

Our Achievements So Far ?

Doubled the Azores sperm whale photo-ID catalogue to over 1100 individual animals
Identified the first ever matches of individual whales seen between the Azores, Canaries & Madeira
Discovered two new species of whale and dolphin not previously seen in the Azores area before
Saved 6 beaked whales from stranding in Horta harbour
Collected skin samples and photographic data on Azorean sperm whales and 19 other species
Sponsored field research experience of more than a dozen marine sciences students
Presented our findings to the scientific community via the European Cetacean and Marine Mammal Society conferences, and the journals of the University of the Azores and the International Whaling Commission
Helped the Azores tourism industry by bringing low impact tours to the islands and given nearly 500 people a great holiday
Increased awareness of the cetaceans to the people of the islands, showing them that they are benefiting from the cetaceans, without having to hunt them.
Raised thousands of pounds for local causes and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)
Taken local school children out for free trips to see the cetaceans
Worked with the local government to introduce regulations to help protect the cetaceans from harassment
Worked with the Portuguese tourist office to help promote the Azores and assisted other local whale watching companies to get established

Dolphins & Turtles

We also use photo-ID to identify bottlenose dolphin and so far we have seen over 800 individuals. In summer 2000 work will start on photo-ID of Risso’s dolphin as we have collected hundreds of photos of these animals over the years. One of our sponsored students will be analyzing these photos as part of his MS.c degree thesis. We are working with the Archie Carr Institute in Florida to study the migrations of loggerhead turtles that pass by the Azores. These animals have lots of problems at the moment (natural and manmade) so we hope the 6-7 minutes they are on board Physeter will help to provide vital information on how to help them. In addition we record all sightings of marine mammals we see (20 species so far identified) and keep a log of environmental data for each day.