The Azorean archipelago shows a high abundance of whales and dolphins: 25 species of resident and migratory cetaceans have been recorded in these waters. The ecosystem is so diverse that it can host a wide variety of cetaceans, greatly differing in size (2-33 m), diet (krill, fish, squid and mammals), presence (seasonal to year-round), range (coastal to pelagic) and behaviour. Among these species are several endangered and threatened populations, such as the blue whale and the sperm whale (IUCN Red List).

Hunting has lead these giants of the sea to the verge of extinction. Only 3 % of total marine habitat is protected and most of these protected areas concern coastal waters. Conservation and protection of the high seas (pelagic, central ocean areas) is difficult, as these are international waters and are controlled by international legislation. Recently, several areas have been protected under European legislation. A number of these Marine Protected Areas are located at the Azores. Again, these only include small, shallow, coastal areas.
http://www.cetaceanhabitat.org/index.php

The design of the protected areas is still in process within the EU.