OCEANO AZUL Foundation Leads Scientific Expedition to the Azores

The Oceano Azul Foundation is leading a scientific expedition to the Azores between 3 and 24 June, in partnership with the Waitt Foundation and National Geographic | Pristine Seas, and in collaboration with the Regional Government of the Azores.

This scientific expedition is part of the Blue Azores programme and contributes to the Foundation’s objective of promoting knowledge for ocean’s conservation.

 

#Repost @natgeopristineseas with @get_repost ・・・ Our most recent expedition with @oceanazulfoundation and @waittfoundation was not only a successful scientific exploration, but also an outstanding adventure at sea. And since we have a love for numbers, here are a few from the expedition that stand out: ?28 researchers ?96 participants ?More than 600 dives and more than 500 hours spent underwater ?21,469 square kilometers of newly-mapped sea floor area ?650 miles travelled ?60 hours spent exploring the deep-sea ecosystems Photographed by @pelayosalinas, researcher @jordichias investigates the waters of Flores Island | #oceanoazulexpedition #oceanoazulfoundation #NatGeo #pristineseas #blueazores #oceanconservation #Azores #science #ocean #emepc

A post shared by Oceano Azul Foundation (@oceanoazulfoundation) on Jul 31, 2018 at 6:59am PDT

The sea of the Azores is viewed today within the international community, as an area of great importance in terms of marine biodiversity, bio-resources and sustainability of the ocean. However, there are areas that have barely been explored and a considerable lack of knowledge about their biological communities and the nature of the seabed is identified. This expedition will target some of the most untouched areas of the sea around the Azores aiming to contribute to a clearer scientific vision of the value of these ecosystems.

The expedition will sail on board of the historic Santa Maria Manuela and will be supported by the Portuguese Navy’s NRP Almirante Gago Coutinho, a hydrographic vessel on service for the Hydrographic Institute, using the ROV LUSO owned by Portugal’s Task Group for the Extension of the Continental Shelf (EMEPC).

Under the Blue Azores programme, the exploration of these almost unknown coastal and oceanic areas is being carried out by a large scientific team led by chief-scientists Emanuel Gonçalves, from the Oceano Azul Foundation, and by Alan Friedlander from National Geographic Pristine Seas. Paul Rose from National Geographic and Emanuel Gonçalves will lead the expedition that is also supported by the Regional Government of the Azores and by the Portuguese Navy, as well as by Portuguese scientific partners such the University of the Azores.

According to Emanuel Gonçalves, “to assess the real value of the sea of the Azores, in biological, economic or social terms, it is essential for us to have a better knowledge about its ecosystems. An expedition like this and a broader intervention programme like the Blue Azores can contribute to the protection of vast areas of the ocean, through the implementation of marine protected areas, thus maintaining the wealth and the balance of ecosystems and promoting their sustainable use by the communities that depend on them. This is the only way to guarantee the future of Humanity.”

 

The Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) is taken in large numbers (an estimated 20 million individuals annually), mainly as bycatch, but there are no population estimates and many catches are unreported. There is concern over the removal of such large numbers of this likely keystone predator from the oceanic ecosystem. From our concluded #OceanoAzulExpedition in Azores islands. Footage by Pelagic Baited Cams from @christhompson_photo / University of Western Australia @waittfoundation @natgeopristineseas #pristineseas #blueazores #ocean #conservation @marinhaportuguesa #emepc

A post shared by Oceano Azul Foundation (@oceanoazulfoundation) on Jul 10, 2018 at 6:17am PDT

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About the Blue Azores programme

It will have an estimated duration of three years and its aim is the promotion and valuation of the blue natural capital of the Azores Archipelago, in close collaboration with the Regional Government of the Azores and other entities. The programme involves many of the areas of operation of the Oceano Azul Foundation: science, conservation, assessment of the economic value of ecosystems, literacy and co-management of fisheries.

About the Oceano Azul Foundation

The Foundation owes its origins to the belief that, in times of profound transformation, it is necessary to change behaviours in order to ensure the coexistence of human development with the protection of the ocean. The Foundation was thus set up in 2017, built from a desire to once again bring Portugal closer to the sea, helping the country to develop a blue generation, positioning itself as a leader in ocean-related issues.

The cornerstones of Oceano Azul Foundation’s activities are Literacy, Conservation and Capacity Building, under the rallying motto “From the Ocean’s Point of View”.

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This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by Giacomo Abrusci