Azores : Changing guard

Update from our marine conservation volunteering holiday in the Azores archipelago, working on whales, dolphins and turtles

A sterling effort by group 1 despite the weather frustrating our efforts to get out to sea.

This has meant time on shore to sort data, process imagery and begin the task of matching individuals, across multiple species. Amazing what you can achieve with coffee, a few treats and determination.

Over the past few days we’ve covered almost 500 km of surveys, with just shy of 40 cetacean encounters across five different species. The only area we could not explore was south and west of Faial due to some challenging seas.

We should also not forget the loggerhead turtles, multiple bird species and two shark sightings. Not a bad data haul for this time of year.

Safe to say we’ve already had some highlights this early in the expedition. Our first blue whale, a humpback being mobbed by hundreds of see birds and a rare circumnavigation of Pico.

Talking of long-distance trips, some of us also completed an extended night walk of Horta, courtesy of Sofia’s local knowledge – a story for another time!

It’s been a joy to kick off the 2023 expedition with such a great group who have personified great teamwork with endless humour – you have been a joy to work with, thank you.

We also lose Henry (our expedition leader in training) who has been another great asset (and halved my workload!). But as we say farewell to group 1, we are now excited to meet and welcome group 2. There is still much to discover and here’s hoping you bring good weather and calm seas….

Safe travels to all…

Update from our marine conservation volunteering holiday in the Azores archipelago, working on whales, dolphins and turtles