The magic of the Azores waters

The tectonic and volcanic activity that characterizes the geomorphology of the seabed in this region is one of them. This activity is due to the fact that our archipelago is located between three continental plates, forming submarine hills and ridges. Some scientists have estimated the existence of about 63 large seamounts (with heights greater than 1,000 meters) and 398 small seamounts (between 200 and 1,000 meters high) in our region. Due to the shallow depth of the latter, the existence of light and the currents that are created, give rise to aggregations of fish, consequently giving rise to food areas for many animals.

Thanks to the archipelago's privileged location, it is on the migratory route of many cetaceans, such as baleen whales and dolphins, but also turtles, fish and birds. As such, and considering what was said above, many of these animals stop to rest and to feed in our waters. This is why there is so much marine biodiversity, and it is possible to see around 27 species of cetaceans at different times of the year.

In addition to these migratory cetaceans, we have some species that choose to stay in our waters for longer. Bottlenose dolphins, crampons, common dolphins and the emblematic sperm whales are the resident species of the Azores, and can be observed throughout the year. Due to the existence of areas of great depth close to the coast and the existence of several species of squid in the Azorean waters, this is a great place to observe sperm whales, the largest cetacean with teeth.

On the other hand, we are still influenced by the Gulf Stream. This causes an increase in temperatures in our waters, attracting species from more tropical waters. One such species is Bryde's Whale, which appears occasionally in the summer months. Fish from warmer waters are also attracted; the whale shark, the largest living fish, and the manta rays are species that visit us when the water temperature rises. Finally, the sea turtles that we see in the summer months are also influenced by this current.

Considering the above, this great occurrence of seamounts is extremely important for the Azores, both biologically and economically and indirectly at the social level. In addition to the importance for the cetacean observation activity in our region, it is estimated that more than 60% of demersal and deep-sea fisheries are carried out near seamounts.

In conclusion, there are three main characteristics that make the Azores a unique place to watch whales and dolphins: its privileged location, the high occurrence of seamounts in our region and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The clear waters of our seas, the abundance of food, the absence of large-scale pollution and the legal protection given to cetaceans since the whaling ban therefore make our islands a paradise for many species of cetaceans and other animals.

References:

http://www.horta.uac.pt/intradop/index.php/pt/montes-submarinos/montes-submarinos-nos-acores

http://www.horta.uac.pt/ppl/tmorato/pdf/AtlantisCup2005.pdf