Human-cetacean conflict solutions
Whaling holds a significant position in the cultural heritage of the Azores, playing a vital role in shaping the local identity. However, it was the emergence...
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Visit the Azores, where volcanic islands meet the Atlantic, home to 28 species of cetaceans. Enjoy world class responsible whale watching year-round amidst stunning landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.
The Azores are nine unique volcanic Islands in the middle of the Atlantic ocean with many endemic species and stunning landscapes. Conditions around these Islands are excellent for many species of whales and dolphins. This biological abundance has fuelled the thriving Azorean whale watching industry and has put the islands on the map for those wanting to experience these majestic marine mammals in the wilds of the Atlantic Ocean.
Inhabitants of the Azores have a strong connection with these magnificent creatures, from historic whaling practices to the current whale watching tourism activities, cultural events and celebrations, and conservation efforts.
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Stories
Conservation success
Sperm whale hunting was introduced in the Azores by North American whalers during the mid-eighteenth century, and Azoreans were recruited as crew. Soon they...
Education and research
In the Azores, both public and private entities have developed several environmental education initiatives, with a strong focus on the “Eco-escolas” or “Escola...
Species & habitat
In the Azores,28 different species of cetaceans have been reported, which is roughly one- third of all the cetacean species in the world. This species’ richness is among the highest in the Atlantic and even on the planet.
Some of these species are sighted year-round, including sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and Risso’s dolphins. Some others are present in the archipelago only seasonally, like Atlantic spotted dolphins, or just passing by along the islands during their migrations, like the big baleen whales such as the incredible blue whale, sei whale, and fin whale.
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Threats
Current threats to primary cetacean habitat and the cetaceans are climate change; underwater anthropogenic noise from tourist activities, cargo ship traffic and navy activities; local and international fisheries in Azorean waters (overfishing), which can also lead to bycatch in fishing nets and driftnets causing entanglement; disturbance caused by tourist activities during the high season, which largely overlaps with the calving and nursing season of some cetacean species; and plastic pollution.
Supporters & Assessors
Why visit a Wildlife Heritage Area?
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Visitors to Wildlife Heritage Areas can take part in outstanding wildlife watching experiences that put wildlife first. Staying in a Wildlife Heritage Area helps local communities invest in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, benefitting community well-being and driving forward sustainable practices.
Designated for excellence
Communities achieve Wildlife Heritage Area designation by playing a central role in protecting wild animals and their habitats. With support from responsible travel organisations and wildlife experts, these communities are committed to help turn the tide on biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, adopt a zero tolerance for wildlife suffering in tourism, and advocate for positive change through a willingness to collaborate.
Supported by World Cetacean Alliance
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Each Wildlife Heritage Area is designated by experts who advise dedicated local people passionate about preserving their unique wildlife and natural heritage.
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