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

REMOTE SENSING FOR MPA MONITORING & PROTECTION

  • 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.

  • 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 in nitrox, and deep diving.

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.

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.