Whales of the Azores: Science, Tourism & Conservation

Joe Cocozza reports from São Miguel in the Azores, with Miranda van der Linde, head marine biologist at Futurismo. Miranda shares how she went from studying sperm whales in New Zealand to spending "one season" in the Azores… and never leaving. She explains why this mid-Atlantic volcanic archipelago draws an incredible variety of cetaceans: deep offshore drop-offs, seamounts, upwelling, rich plankton blooms, and squid-filled canyons that create a buffet for whales. You'll learn the difference between toothed whales like sperm whales and baleen whales like blue and fin whales, why some are residents while others are migratory visitors, and how photo-ID research using fluke patterns helps scientists track individuals across the North Atlantic. Miranda also walks us through the Azores' remarkable transition from whaling hub to whale-watching hotspot, and how responsible ecotourism—strict approach rules, no feeding, education on board, and long-term data sharing with universities—helps protect these animals while supporting the local economy. If you've ever dreamed of seeing blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in the wild—and want to understand how to do it ethically—this conversation from the docks of São Miguel is your field guide.