Obseve the Whales

Until 1984 the apprehension of the whale was forming a part of the traditional life of the islands. After in 1980 the apprehension was prohibited of this cetacean, the inhabitants of the island have used the acquired knowledge when they were fishing whales for its alertness and conservation. This way, the island of Pico, which until 1981 was one of the principal Portuguese whale-boats centers, has recovered its whaler tradition in a peaceful way. There are two museums that exhibit the delicate art realized by the sailors with the teeth and bones of cachalot.

The waters that surround The Azores receive, in summer, a great variety of whales and dolphins. In approximately 20 species of cetacean, and other marine animals, frequent The Azores. These animals of warm blood follow the moderate currents of the gulf to feed in its waters. The groups of dolphins are easy to sight, when they furrow the wave’s speeds difficult to believe. But the most impressive thing is the big whale’s rorcual, very valued by its sperm, which they immerse in the depths in search of giant squids and live in family groups. Since it is known, both the whales and the dolphins must rise to the surface to breathe, moment of that the organizers of expeditions take advantage for the observation.

Scrimshaw

Was doing sculpture in the teeth and bones of the whales, where there were recorded scenes related to its hunt. There remain magnificent pieces of this art in Scrimshaw's Museum of Faial.