Scientific research on Risso Dolphins - Azores

For many years Dutch Marine biologist Karin Hartman has been researching the population of Risso Dolphins in the seas around the island of Pico of the Azorean archipel. Climate change seems to effect the behavior of this rare species of dolphin. To understand these effects better, there is a need for satelite tags to be able to track the animals. More knowledge will lead to proposals for better protection.

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€ 0

donated in 2024

This amount has been used for co-funding (25%) the purchase of satelite tags needed for the research

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SNP Travellers

have donated the initial amount of € 2500,- that was doubled by SNP to € 5000,-

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satelite tags

as well as the 6 month data time for the associated transmission costs has been co-funded (25%)

Extend the scientific knowledge on Risso Dolphins

The Azores are a hotspot for 25 cetacean species and form a critical habitat for resident Risso’s dolphins. A study, exploring 17 years of sighting data, suggests that global warming is adding pressure by increasing food competition with transient pilot whales. To better understand the interactions between these two species, analysis of their movement patterns, using satellite tags, is needed. This will provide ecological insights that will help adjust conservation measures, including the IUCN species status. 

Where is the donation of GBTN spend on?

The money will be spend on the tagging project for the two type of species that will be researched: the Pilot Whales and the Risso dolphins.  It is used for co-funding the purchase of 5 tags, and the associated transmissions costs for 6 months (total costs € 20.000). In june 2024 a tagging expert from Madeira will be available to assist with the transponders. 

What is the objected effect of the research program?

  • To gain more knowledge on the effect of climate change for the distribution of marine top predators
  • To extend general ecological knowledge on poor studied species like the threatened Risso dolphin
  • To support the change of the UICN status of Risso Dolphins from 'data unknown' to endangered
  • To support the effort to create a Marine Protected Area (MPA) for the Risso Dolphin population

Impression

Pico vulcano rising out of the ocean
Pico vulcano rising out of the ocean
Risso's male pod
Risso's male pod
Risso's female and calf
Risso's female and calf
Screenshot
Risso calf playing
Risso calf playing
Langvin grienden
Langvin grienden

More info on the project

 

Nova Atlantis Foundation is a Dutch research institute, based on Pico island (Azores, Portugal).

“Our goal is the conservation of the coastal and pelagic waters of the Azores. Recognition of these waters as Marine Protected Areas would be a major step towards that goal. We contribute by providing data on marine mammal ecology to stakeholders, such as local authorities, the scientific community, environmental NGOs, and through lobbying. Key species in our behavioural, ecological studies are the resident Risso’s dolphins.”

Find out more on their own website:The Risso Project – Marine wildlife research at Pico, Azores (nova-atlantis.org)

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Contact
  • RSIN: 866089093
  • KvK: 92530915 (Chamber of Commerce)

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