© JOÃO QUARESMA
FUNDAÇÃO OCEAN AZORES
The ocean Azores Foundation was set up to work to address key threats to the whales and cetaceans that exist in the waters of the Azores.
AWARENESS
RESEARCH
PROTECTION
AWARENESS
Launched in partnership with Azores Getaways, The Ocean Azores Photographer of The Year aims to tell the story of a unique marine sanctuary. join us as we use the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness and work on sustainable marine tourism in the Azores.
The Ocean Azores Foundation is supported the costs for the application of the Azores as a world recognised sustainable whale watching destination. The Whale Heritage Site certification is run by the World Cetation Alliance, a world leading ocean based conservation NGO.
Support sustainable marine tourism in the Azores: Download our guide to whale watching.
TV Documentary |
Media Support
The Ocean Azores Foundation is proud to work with a number of individuals and organisations on filming and documentary projects around whales, dolphins and the eco system of the Azores. The Ocean Azores Foundation is delighted to announce we have started an exciting project with Maria Andersen, who presents on RTP AÇORES.
RTP TV SHOW: OCEAN +
CAGARROS | FLIGHT OF THE AZORES
VIDAS NO MAR
OCEAN GIANTS OF THE AZORES
Rights-free footage, across photography and videography for journalists and editorial usage of whales and other cetaceans in the Azores.
RESEARCH
WHALE TRACKING
VISIT MONICET.ORG
Working in partnership with The University of The Azores and Okeanos, the foundation is building a whale tracking database. This open source solution brings academics and whale watching companies together to support the future conservation efforts in the region.
RESEARCH BOATS |
SUPPORT
We are working to put 3 research boats on Teceria, São Miguel and Faial to support ocean research. The foundation supports all costs including the boats, running costs, equipment and maintenance. This project is run in co-ordination with the University of the Azores, The Government of the Azores, Okeanos institute and our partners.
SÂO MIGUEL: FOA BALEIA
COMING IN 2026
FAIAL: FOA MEDUSA
COMING IN 2027
TERCEIRA: FOA EBISU
COMING IN 2027
With thanks to the sponsors for this project, including Azores Getaways, Ghosts of The Ocean Spirts Azores and The Solar Branco Eco Estate
PROTECTION
THE GOLFINHO COMMISSION
A project to look into the impact of swimming with dolphins here in the Azores.
Dominica WHALE SANCTUARY
We are delighted to support the government of Dominica with our experience and guidelines around whale watching company licenses and enforcement. We are additionally sharing support assets such as Monicet and The Ocean Azores Media House.
GHOST NET IDENTIFICATION
| REMOVAL
Entanglement in Fishing Gear and ghost netting is one of the most serious issues facing whales in the ocean. Whales are at high risk of becoming entangled in fishing gear. Once entangled, whales may drag and swim with attached gear for long distances or be anchored in place and unable to swim. Events such as these result in fatigue, and ultimately lead to death.
9 Islands. 1 Ocean.
The Ocean Azores Foundation was created in the Azores for the ocean that surrounds us. We aim to invest our resources in selected community projects that will help drive lasting social and environmental change, focusing on the protection of the waters that surround the Azores Islands. This will be achieved through multi-year partnerships and providing funding for organisations that promote marine sustainability and sustainable tourism.