To value Azorean identity, by interpreting and promoting the strong connection between the communities and the sea, as well as to raise awareness to the sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Integrated in Faial Natural Park, Porto Pim Whaling Factory is an industrial complex located in the southwest part of Porto Pim bay, on the slope of Monte da Guia. Receiving about 12 000 visitors per year, the Whale Factory stands as one of the best examples of extinct Azorean whaling industry, crucial to the historical, economical and social understanding of such activity. The permanent exhibition of Porto Pim Whale Factory virtually relies on all its original machinery. There, the visitor follows the itinerary of the full processing of the sperm whale, which aimed at obtaining its commercial by-products (blubber and the harnessing of meat, bone and blood meal). The Factory also includes a vast amount of assets resulting from the intense whaling activity that took place in Faial in the 20^th century.

The History of Porto Pim Whale Factory

Porto Pim Whale Factory began to be built in 1941, starting to operate, still in trial phase, in 1942. It belonged to SIMAL – Sociedade Industrial Marítima Açoriana, Lda. (Azorean Industrial Maritime Society), established in 1939 with the goal of “exploring the industry of the full harness of whales and other sea species, as well as the commerce of their respective by-products”. During its 30 years in operation, 1940 sperm whales were processed, producing 44 000 barrels of whale oil. In 1974, following the global decline of whaling industry, the factory closed down. In 1980, the Regional Government of the Azores acquired the whole factory complex with the goal of installing there the Oceanography and Fishery Department of the University of the Azores, as well as a Fishing School, an intent that was never carried out.

In 1984, the old factory was classified as Property of Public Interest. After almost two decades of building and machinery degradation, no doubt lessened by the long-lasting efforts of Manuel da Rosa Correia (Patrão Manuel) and Manuel Medeiros (Sr. Amaral), the factory finally underwent refurbishment and improvement works. The Sea Center opened in 2000, aiming at becoming a museum for cultural and scientific dissemination. Since 2004, the factory hosts the Sea Observatory of the Azores, which has been fostering its activities. In 2010, Porto Pim Whale Factory was included in the Monte da Guia Faial Natural Park Complex.

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