
AZORES MARINE PROTECTED AREA BLUE TECH Program
Feb. 14th - Feb. 21st
The Mission: REMOTE SENSING TO PREVENT POACHING IN Azores MPA
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.

REMOTE SENSING FOR MPA MONITORING & PROTECTION
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
The student team will be deploying HydroTwin devices underwater in the Azores MPA
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.
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.
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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.
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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
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Guilherme Beleza Vaz
HydroTwin CTO and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, our blueOASIS POC
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Emily Bittner
Educator & Trip Chaperone
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Vincent Smith
WHALEFALL Director of Impact and lead instructor
Questions
Contact Vincent Smith at VSMITH@whalefall.ngo
PRICE: Summer Immersion Cost: $5900
For a limited time students will receive a 15% discount.
The team at WHALEFALL has been working diligently to reduce the cost of the Summer Immersion program for all students. If you require additional financial support please complete the application below to start the process.
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WHALEFALL offers sliding scale tuition assistance for the summer immersion program based on financial need and availability from community donations.
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WHALEFALL Educational Curriculum
4-1 Instructor Ratios for In-Water Training
Resort Accommodations & Airport Transportation
3 meals daily
Boat Dives
Equipment Rental
Complimentary wireless internet access
Dive Training & Certifications
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Airfare to Azores (HOR) We will assist in booking a group flight. (Currently estimated at $1200)
Travel expenses such as airline baggage or layover hotel.
Local gratuity
Marine Park Fee
Island Entrance Tax
Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended) We work with a preferred vender, Wanderwell
Deposits are required to reserve your space and receive the 15% student discount in the summer immersion. Deposits are fully refundable through 8/29/25 as we are currently adding details to the experience for students next year.