The Sea Observatory of the Azores (OMA) is a technical, scientific and cultural non-profit association, based at the Porto Pim Old Whaling Station, on the island of Faial.

Its objectives are the dissemination of scientific and technological culture and the promotion of activities of interpretation and environmental education, within the scope of Marine Sciences, contributing directly for the implementation of SDG 14. It is part of the Regional Networks of Science Centers of the Azores since 2012. Porto Pim Old Whaling Station Museum, focuses on the Industrial Phase of Azorean whaling and on the Biology and Conservation of its target species – the sperm whale – targets the general public and tourists.

OMA promotes knowledge transfer to society, creating conditions for learning scientific and technological content in an interactive, playful and motivating way. It aims to promote environmentally sustainable practices that safeguard resources, biodiversity and the natural functioning of marine ecosystems. OMA also has the objective of safeguarding, studying and disseminating the Maritime and Whaling Heritage of Faial and the Azores Region.

Is a partner of the UNESCO Chair: The Ocean’s Cultural Heritage, an international reference in the Humanities, interconnecting different disciplines of the Humanities, focusing on the history of the ocean, its cultural heritage, especially in the modern era. Expands its action to the general public, allowing the sharing of experiences, teaching materials and knowledge through the development of research, education and of awareness activities, in the scope of the cultural heritage of the oceans, underwater cultural heritage and archeology, environment and history.

OMA has the necessary capacity and experience to carry out the actions foreseen in this project, both in the design and development of resources, and in the implementation of specific actions for the different target audiences.

In its regular activity, and over the years, OMA develops activities of dissemination and public awareness, where the Cultural and Natural Heritage of the Azores are interconnected and its importance is highlighted.