Research

Cetacean monitoring involves the systematic observation and study of dolphins, whales and porpoises to collect data on their populations, behaviour, distribution and health. Collecting long-term ecological data on wild animals is a challenging task. It is on board our tourist tours that we do this animal monitoring.

Photo-identification is a non-invasive method of individual identification. Consists on taking photographs of a certain part of an animal’s body that has unique characteristics for each individual. For the majority of the cetaceans, their dorsal fins are unique, they work like a fingerprint. Each dorsal has a shape, collar, inclination and markings (scars and cuts) which, through detailed analysis, make it possible to identify individuals.

META Project has been created to contribute for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive from European Union and for the 14 Goal “life under water” from United Nations. This project had the support from Portuguese Republic through Fundo Azul, and was coordinated by Museu da Baleia da Madeira.

Atlantic Whale Deal (AWD) is an ongoing project (2023-2026), led by MARE-Madeira/ARDITI and funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area program, which aims to develop solutions to reduce ship collisions with  the whales’ populations.