The Azores is the most remote archipelago of the north Atlantic and comprises nine volcanic islands rising from the abyssal plane at depths between 1000-2000 metres . With an intricate topography, including more than 460 seamounts and other seamount-like features, and complex oceanic circulation, the Azores support rich and diverse underwater ecosystems that attract a large number of marine predators, including more than twenty cetacean species.

For over twenty years, researchers at the Azores Whale Lab - Cetacean Ecology Group have devoted their time to investigate diverse aspects about the lives of cetaceans in the Azores and apply that knowledge to aid in their conservation. Why are they here? Why do they move away from the area? What makes them decide whether to stay or go? How do they integrate into the Azores marine ecosystems? What are the threats they face? How can we help preserve them? These are some of the question we try to answer.