Research to the life of the Risso dolphin (also named Grey dolphin or Gramper) is the central focus of the Risso Project. Nova Atlantis started in 2000 under the supervision of the Dutch Karin Hartman, the Risso Project at the Azores, a group of islands in the Atlantic ocean. The Risso Project has three goals: research, conservation and education of dolphins and whales.
How to support the Risso Project?
You can help Karin and her team by:
100% of your contribution goes to the Risso Project.
Dolphins
The waters around the Azores are the habitat of ten species of dolphins. Especially in the summer months these beautiful animals form groups to hunt, mate and breed their offspring. If performed on a responsible way whale tourism has an essential role in the protection of whales and dolphins. People who have seen them in the ocean will get conscious about the necessity of conservation of these cetaceans and their natural habitat. Whales and dolphins are sensitive animals with a strong developed social structure and complex behaviour.
The Azores
The nine volcanic islands that form the Azores are located in the azure Atlantic ocean about 1500 kilometre from the coast of Portugal. The islands are amazing, but the sea hides the biggest miracle of the Azores. It is the residence of 25 different species of dolphins and whales. Also swordfish, barracuda’s, several species of sharks and tuna can be found there. The reason is that nutritious deep sea water is pushed to the surface. It is a rich oasis in a nutrient open ocean.
Nova Atlantis
Nova Atlantis started in 2000 with their research of the social behaviour of the Risso dolphin along the south coast of the Island Pico, one of the nine islands of the Azores. The bay of Ribeiras has the last ten years proven to be an ideal area to perform long term research for Nova Atlantis. The last decade about 1100 dolphins have been identified and recorded in a ID database. With over 200.000 photo’s this is the largest database of Risso’s in the world. The Risso Dolphin Research Centre is an informational meeting place for biologists and students and a base camp for all research of whales and dolphin’s. The Risso’s Dolphin Research Centre is open for visitors. Also Nova Atlantis organizes 6 day during expeditions where you can meet the whales and dolphins during one of the boat trips.
.jpg)
