AZORES MARINE PROTECTED AREA BLUE TECH Program

2026 MARCH TERM INTERNSHIP

3/19/26 - 3/28/26

The Athenian School has approved a very limited number of students to participate in a March Term Internship. Click the button below to join an info meeting via zoom on 9/10.

Meeting ID: 858 6460 0817 Passcode: 018766

Learn about the Azores Archipelago Hope Spot on Mission Blue

THE PROJECT

The goal of this project is to verify new AI-driven remote underwater monitoring technology from Blue Oasis. 

HydroTwin utilizes advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to take decisive actions to mitigate the impact of underwater noise pollution, thus safeguarding biodiversity. Through the real-time detection and identification of underwater acoustic sources, Hydrotwin offers a strategic response to the escalating demand for enhanced marine surveillance and preservation.

REMOTE SENSING FOR MPA MONITORING & PROTECTION

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  • REAL-TIME MONITORING

    Combining HydroTwin with SCOUT-S systems, the project will gain instant access to real-time underwater soundscape data, allowing visualization, analysis, and tracking of acoustic sources.

  • AI-BASED MODELS DETECT POACHING VESSELS IN THE MPA

    AI-based models are at the core of Hydrotwin technology, and will identify and report potential poaching vessels in the MPA.

  • OPEN ACCESS SCIENCE DATA

    All the oceanographic and ecological data collected will be available to people on the front lines of conservation via an aqualink.org dashboard.

VERIFICATION AI Models

Students on this expedition will be verifying AI-powered tools for monitoring marine species biometrics and behavior, and identification of sound collected through hydrophones linked to smart moored data buoy platforms. We will be working with Bristlemouth project partner, Blue Oasis, based out of Portugal.

  1. The student team will be deploying HydroTwin devices underwater in the Azores MPA

  2. The student team will be validating the AI model’s labeling of biological sources. Specifically they will be validating sounds of dolphins, whales, and ocean vessels with positive underwater visual identification.

  3. The student team will be co-designing and testing a validation protocol using 3D photogrammetry.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to train the HydroTwin AI model before leaving for the Azores by evaluating and labeling spectrograms.


THE TRIP

We will be visiting the Azores Marine Protected Area (MPA) where the first tests of this emerging technology are occurring. Students will be diving to deploy new blue tech, validate the machine learning model, and earning a specialty certification in marine technology deployment and maintenance.

  • OPEN WATER DIVER TRACK

    Students who are not yet scuba certified divers will be on the Open Water Diver track. Open Water Certification will be issued as a pre-requisite to the project.

  • ADVANCED DIVER TRACK

    Previously scuba certified students will be on the Advanced Diver track. These students will complete additional training including nitrox, and deep diving.

THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

  • Guilherme Beleza Vaz

    HydroTwin CTO and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, our blueOASIS POC

  • Bruce Hamren

    Educator, Dive Leader & Trip Chaperone

  • Vincent Smith

    WHALEFALL Director of Impact and lead instructor

INTERNSHIP: There is no cost for the internship. In fact, if you opt into the training of the HydroTwin AI model, blueOASIS is paying interns for submitting analyzed spectrograms.

TRIP COST: We are currently in the process of confirming all the trip costs. We are currently working with venders to keep the price to around $3,000. See What is Included below.

Flights: Currently flights to Faial Island (HOR) are approx. $1200. Since we will have a limited group of students, we do not qualify for group airfare. We will publish the flight from SFO-HOR that Bruce, the chaperone, will be on, and families will book individually on to that flight. The price will lock in at the time of booking.

Questions

Contact Vincent Smith at VSMITH@whalefall.ngo

WHALEFALL is excited to offer a rare internship opportunity typically reserved for undergraduate and graduate students to high school students passionate about marine science and technology. Through partnerships with leading industry professionals, students will have the chance to serve as research assistants for an innovative blue tech company based in the Azores.

Unlike our traditional WHALEFALL programs, which are tightly scheduled and structured, this experience is more fluid and exploratory. As guests working alongside active researchers in the field, students will need to embrace flexibility as the project develops in real time.

How Costs and Support Work for This Program

To keep this opportunity accessible, families will only be responsible for covering the actual travel expenses for their student. In addition, because WHALEFALL is absorbing the cost of travel for staff, chaperones, and research equipment, we are launching a targeted fundraising effort this fall and winter.

We deeply value our community's support. If you’re able, we would greatly appreciate contributions—whether financial or simply by helping us spread the word.

100% of all donations will directly support:

  • Instructor and chaperone travel costs

  • Specialized research equipment

  • Tuition assistance for students who otherwise couldn’t attend

This is more than a trip, it's a groundbreaking experience that helps shape the next generation of ocean researchers and innovators. Thank you for helping us make it possible.

Deposits are required to reserve your space and receive the 15% student discount in the summer immersion. Deposits are fully refundable through 10/15/25.