The Ocean Challenge

The ocean, such a huge part of our surroundings, yet in many ways a world of its own were distances and voids often generate associations to space. A world filled with taunting mysteries and fascinating creatures, were our search for answers are challenged by a multitude of obstacles.

 

Looking at the subject with the eyes of a researcher of marine biology, the topic is wuthering, yet simply irresistible. Pop almost any question and the answer is far from “written in stone”. We know very little even about our most abundant cetaceans. We have merely skimmed the surface, of this world so different from ours, but also part of ours.

 

Welfare, Protection and Conservation

If we aim to preserve and protect the marine wildlife we need to persist in the enduring hunt for knowledge. At the present a lot of the cetacean species lack an evaluation of status on IUCNs red list due to data deficiency.

 

For those cetaceans that are evaluated to be endangered (and there are quite a few) holistic information is required in order to set up a successful conservation strategy. Also we might not just want to save what is endangered or concentrate on a specie level, but rather manage the marine resources on the appropriate scale, big and small.

 

Increasing this knowledge we are able to suggest measures that are relevant and applicable in ensuring the welfare of the animals while also serving to increase quality in respect to the marine wildlife tourism activity (encompassing regulations, vessel conduct, procedures as well as management strategy).

 

 

 

Long Term Scientific Data

For many years Sea Colors Expeditions has been building scientific basis on the study of marine species around the Azores.

 

After collecting long term scientific data on the marine fauna, its behavior is characterized and prevailing conditions are specified. The data is then assessed in order for indications or trends to be reveled or supported and to evaluate set hypotheses. 

 

Geographic location and time, social behavior, paths, physiology, biometrics, body health assessments and foraging patterns are some of the data collected.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo ID

Our data collection and studies includes also annual Photo Identification on cetaceans. Each individual have different fins and flukes profiles and also scars and nicks are often present. By taking pictures of this area we can attain a Photo ID that aids us in recognizing a specific individual. By continuously collecting Photo IDs we find out more about abundance, group structure an distribution patterns.

 

Our primary focuses are on Sperm whales, Baleen whales and dolphins, were many animals are resident or return repeatedly to Azorean waters. Individuals from most of these species have huge living ranges and collaborations with other researchers on a regional and an international scale is needed to grasp the big picture. We also create additional catalogs for other species, including turtles.

 

For a faster process of analyzing our photographs of flukes, dorsal fins, patterns, and scars, we developed an AI tool, for an automatic recognition of individual animals.

 

As a guest you are most welcome to participate in the collection of data and we will brief you up on the subject to whatever point you feel is of your interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Population and Behavior

We observe and register the behavior of individuals and groups of cetaceans and other sea animals, documenting field data, taking notes or using voice recorders, GPS and video footage. Information about, number individual whales present, geographic position, date, time, etc is taken by our developed app – App on Sea.

 

How data is used:

 

Mapping – Identifying areas where whales and dolphins are present and absent.

Understanding behavior – Learning about social structure, acoustic behavior, and how human activities impact whales and dolphins.

Understanding life histories – Learning about how long it takes calves to reach adulthood, and how long it takes species to recover from over-exploitation.

Identifying migration routes – Identifying where whales migrate to for feeding and breeding.

Identifying important habitats – Identifying areas that need extra conservation.

Monitoring endangered species – Monitoring endangered species and mitigating human impacts.

 

 

Encounters and Distribution

The documentation of the distribution of  the cetaceans we observe every year, and its comparison, is important to understand habitat use in and relate to oceanographic variables. We have developed a special mobile APP to register these sightings in a standardized way. You can find more information about this project in our Projects section.

 

We can also provide the probability to see a specific cetacean species in a specific month during a trip with Sea Colors Expeditions.

 

 

 

Passive Acoustic Data

Acoustic data helps us to understand the animal’s location and behavior.

 

Sperm whales emit acoustic signals when searching for prey in the depth. They produce echolocation sounds that can be detected and recorded using hydrophones and acoustic recorders, giving us the opportunity to study their locations in our waters and their behavior in the depth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sampling

Using non intrusive procedures, we collect essential biological and environment samples.  Specifically, we gather prey, fecal, and skin samples, which are then analyzed through DNA techniques.

 

The DNA analysis helps us assess the relatedness between individuals, which is crucial for understanding social structures, and genetic diversity within populations. Also allow us to accurately determine the sex of individual animals, providing valuable insight into their reproductive patterns.

 

By analyzing fecal samples, we can also gain information about their diet, understanding their feeding habits and ecological interactions.

 

This approach is essential for advancing our knowledge of species’ biology while maintaining ethical research practices.

 

 

Research Projects and Conservation Programs

In order to advance knowledge and understanding about marine wildlife, their habitat and identify potential threats, we conduct specific research projects and studies dedicated to different species, including the development of IT and research tools. Consequently we develop strategies and implement conservation programs.

 

 

 

Funding

Our research work is mainly funded by environmental conscious public that join us onboard to participate in our observations and support our studies.

 

By joining us you are helping to:

 

-Protect and conserve ecosystems and species.

-Raise awareness about threats such as plastic pollution, noise pollution, ghost fishing gear, ship strikes, climate change impacts and massive and selfish tourism.

-Better understand and detect new threats especially on species that still little is known about.

-Keep our research projects.

-Maintaining and improving our research platforms and equipment.

-Keep our student, internship and volunteer programs.

-Disseminate scientific data for educational purposes.