Do you want to help save shearwaters?
On all the islands of the Azores, you can help save young Cory's Shearwaters that become disoriented due to artificial lighting. SPEA organizes rescue brigades at the Marina and Port of Vila Franca do Campo, which is one of the places with the highest number of falls in the archipelago.
In 2022, we rescued almost 900 shearwaters!
The Cory's shearwater: Emblematic bird of the Azores
The Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) is a seabird that you've probably heard at night, by the sea. Around 75% of its global population nests here in the Azores!
From October to November, young shearwaters start to leave their nests and are attracted by the excess of lights on our streets and buildings. Dazzled, they become disoriented and end up falling to the ground at night, vulnerable to various dangers. That's why it's important to help them!
Rescue brigades in Vila Franca do Campo
During these night patrols, we collect fallen shearwaters so that they do not end up on the streets and roads, injured or vulnerable to predation and being run over.
Never rescued a Cory’s Shearwater? No problem! In our rescue brigades, you will learn how to rescue a Cory’s Shearwater, attend ringing and data collection sessions, and learn more about this special bird of the Azores.
The marina/port of Vila Franca do Campo is unfortunately one of the most critical places on the island of São Miguel. In 2022, around 900 Cory's shearwaters were rescued here!
Cory's shearwater releases: back to the sea!
The next morning, the rescued shearwaters are released again, so they can return to the sea safely and continue their journey.
By participating in this campaign, you are saving Cory's shearwaters that might otherwise never reach the sea, and helping this species continue to characterise the nights of the Azores!
SOS Cory's Shearwater Campaign
The SOS Cagarro Campaign is an initiative coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Maritime Policies of the Government of the Azores, in partnership with the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change and the Environmental Services and Natural Parks of the Island, to which SPEA is associated with the support of the Vila Franca do Campo Naval Club and the maritime-tourism company Terra Azul.
Stéfanie Zanaret
02/11/2023
"For me being a part of this experience was really important and helped me a lot on the boat
to transmit accurate information to the clients and sensibilize them about the CAGARROS
and their environment."
Students from the Arganil School Group
2022
"We followed the entire process: from the rescue at night, placement of the ring and recording of measurements until the release the next morning. This action made us aware of the importance of protecting biodiversity."
Inês Leite
2022
“It was my first volunteering experience of this type, I became more aware of the problem and understood better how it works. Next year I would like to participate again!”
These rescue brigades are supported by
