Photo Identification of Whales Justin Clarke

What is Photo Identification First began in 1960’s and 70’s. – 35mm slide film or high resolution black and white. – Programs evaluated negatives to find matches. Photographs taken of dorsal fin and tail flukes – Each individual is unique – Niches, tears, coloration patterns.

How is it Beneficial? A safe way to study whales – Non-Invasive Catalogs can be created identifying individuals. – Helps study migration, feeding patterns, life history, and population estimates. – Names are based on unique characteristics – “Family trees” can be created.

Stellwagen Banks Photo-Identification Humpback Whale – Black and white pigmentation and scars on tail flukes – Rounded – Scalloping Fin Whale – Slightly concaved bottom edge – Distinctive notch – Sickle shaped dorsal fin Minke Whale – Very small dorsal fin – Curved dorsal fin – Doesn’t show dorsal fin when diving Northern Right Whale – Large Broad Flukes – Symmetrical – Distinctive Notch

ANY QUESTIONS?

Works Cited