Expedition report: Photo-identification and surveys of cetaceans in the central group of the Azores islands (March - April 2022)

• Main Authors: Steiner, Lisa, Machete, Miguel, Hammer, Matthias
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• Subjects: Canada; baleen whale; baleen whales; Blue whale; Humpback Whale; Iceland; minke whale; North Atlantic; Sperm whale
• Online Access: https://zenodo.org/record/7651699; https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7651699

Abstract In 2022 Biosphere Expeditions concluded its 16th year of cetacean photo-identification and distribution studies in the Azores, after a two-year break for COVID-19. The expedition was based in Horta on the island of Faial and work was conducted around the three islands of Faial, Pico and São Jorge. The expedition ran from 21 March to 21 April 2022. 139 sightings of 10 different species of cetacean and 15 turtles were recorded during the expedition period. Baleen whale Photo-ID: Blue Whale: The expedition saw 3 blue whales in 2 encounters. Photos of individuals were shared with catalogues in Spain, Iceland and Canada. The two individuals that were seen together were seen previously in the Azores. Matches were made mainly by Richard Sears of Mingan Island Cetacean Society. Humpback whale: There were 6 humpback whales observed during the expedition in 3 encounters, including a leucistic animal that was over 95% white. Two matches to animals previously seen in the North Atlantic, including the leucistic animal were found. The North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalogue currently holds over 11,000 individuals and plays an important role in discovering long-range matches. Since 2004 the expedition has contributed 26 ID photos. Matching movements to populations is important, because little is known about the movements of the eastern Atlantic humpback whales. Matches are also attempted online through Happywhale as well as being sent to other individuals working around the North Atlantic. Minke whale: A single minke whale was seen during the expedition. Summary: While still not as abundant as in previous years (2014-2017), more baleen whales were seen in 2022. More blue, fin and humpback whales were seen after the expedition. Sperm whale photo-ID: Sperm whales were seen multiple times during the expedition. Sperm whale photo-identification, ongoing since 1987 in the Azores, continued. 44 identifiable individuals were photographed from 70 encounters, including 19 animals seen in previous years in the Azores. Matches ...