{"id":15431,"date":"2021-07-07T13:45:29","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T05:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/?p=15431"},"modified":"2025-07-01T12:15:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T04:15:30","slug":"whales-photographic-identification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/","title":{"rendered":"Whales Photographic Identification"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;|2px||||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"300\"><strong data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"300\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"329\"><strong data-start=\"255\" data-end=\"329\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"414\"><strong data-start=\"340\" data-end=\"414\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"732\"><strong data-start=\"658\" data-end=\"732\">How Photographic Identification Helps Study Whales and Dolphins<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"786\"><strong data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"786\">A Non-Invasive Tool for Tracking Marine Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"788\" data-end=\"914\">Photographic identification is one of the most effective and non-invasive methods used to study whale and dolphin populations.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"916\" data-end=\"1095\">These highly mobile marine mammals\u2014collectively known as cetaceans\u2014are often difficult to monitor due to their long migrations, deep dives, and short periods spent at the surface.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1097\" data-end=\"1443\">For example, some species travel thousands of kilometres between breeding and feeding grounds. Meanwhile, others live far offshore, making close observation challenging. Thankfully, with the help of photographic identification, researchers now track individual cetaceans across time and regions without the need for physical tags or interference.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1445\" data-end=\"1584\">This method provides scientists with consistent, long-term data, especially for species that would otherwise be incredibly hard to monitor.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1631\"><strong data-start=\"1586\" data-end=\"1631\">What Makes a Whale or Dolphin Unique?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1633\" data-end=\"1823\">Like human fingerprints, whales and dolphins have distinct physical characteristics. As a result, once you know what to look for, identifying individuals becomes easier and highly effective.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1857\">To do this, researchers rely on:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1859\" data-end=\"2167\">\n<li data-start=\"1859\" data-end=\"1931\">\n<p data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1931\">Fluke shape and notches (especially in species like humpback whales)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1932\" data-end=\"1976\">\n<p data-start=\"1934\" data-end=\"1976\">Dorsal fin nicks, notches, and curvature<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"2042\">\n<p data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2042\">Scar patterns and rake marks (from interactions or predators)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2043\" data-end=\"2090\">\n<p data-start=\"2045\" data-end=\"2090\">Unique colouration or pigmentation patterns<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2091\" data-end=\"2167\">\n<p data-start=\"2093\" data-end=\"2167\">Location and shape of eye patches or saddle patches (especially in orca)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2169\" data-end=\"2364\">These features remain relatively consistent over time. Therefore, scientists can confidently re-identify individuals and track their life history, behaviours, and movements with greater accuracy.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2422\"><strong data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2422\">Photographic Identification in the Bremer Canyon<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2366\" data-end=\"2422\">At Naturaliste Charters, we place a strong focus on research photography. Our dedicated photographer joins every Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Expedition. During each tour, they capture high-quality images of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/podcasts\/killer-whales\/\">killer whales<\/a> (orcas), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cwr.org.au\/\">dolphins<\/a>, and other marine life.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"3064\">We then submit these images to both national and international research databases. In this way, photographic identification contributes to long-term studies of cetaceans in the Southern Ocean. Moreover, this collaborative approach with marine scientists continues to improve conservation efforts and deepen our understanding of these apex predators and their marine companions.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3066\" data-end=\"3118\"><strong data-start=\"3066\" data-end=\"3118\">Citizen Science: Your Whale Photos Can Help!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3120\" data-end=\"3447\">Guests onboard our tours\u2014whether in Bremer Bay, Augusta, or Dunsborough\u2014are invited to take part in a growing citizen science project. By donating your photographs, you can directly help researchers identify individual whales and dolphins spotted along the Western Australian coast using photographic identification techniques.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3449\" data-end=\"3733\">Importantly, every photo helps build a clearer picture of population sizes, behaviours, and migration routes. Whether you capture a spyhop, fluke slap, or a dorsal fin from the side, your images might be the missing piece researchers need to better understand a species\u2019 life journey.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3735\" data-end=\"3782\"><strong data-start=\"3735\" data-end=\"3782\">Why Photographic Identification Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3735\" data-end=\"3782\">Understanding individual whales and dolphins is key to protecting them. When researchers use photographic identification effectively, they can:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3929\" data-end=\"4085\">\n<li data-start=\"3929\" data-end=\"3958\">\n<p data-start=\"3931\" data-end=\"3958\">Monitor population trends<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3959\" data-end=\"3985\">\n<p data-start=\"3961\" data-end=\"3985\">Track migration routes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3986\" data-end=\"4023\">\n<p data-start=\"3988\" data-end=\"4023\">Study social bonds and behaviours<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4024\" data-end=\"4085\">\n<p data-start=\"4026\" data-end=\"4085\">Identify threats, such as entanglements or vessel strikes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4087\" data-end=\"4278\">Ultimately, with your help, we can continue gathering vital data about cetaceans in Australian waters and support global conservation efforts through ongoing photographic identification work.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3676\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/NC_Whales-Photographic-Identification_Infographic-scaled.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;whales photographic identification&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; theme_builder_area=&#8221;post_content&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3569\" data-end=\"3626\">\n<h2>Killer Whale (Orca)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14380 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/7DM21118-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"killer whale breach\" width=\"300\" height=\"196\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14320 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/AJK00126-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"killer whale - orca flip\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14468 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/promo2-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"orca bremer bay\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Killer whales (orca) are identified by variations in nicks and notches in the dorsal fin, variations in dorsal fin shape and size and variations in the shape of the white eyepatch and the grey marking behind the dorsal fin called the saddle patch.<\/p>\n<h2>Humpback Whales<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14340 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/IMG_7451-300x185.jpg\" alt=\"humpback whale\" width=\"311\" height=\"192\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7292 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-300x193.jpg\" alt=\"humpback whale watch\" width=\"300\" height=\"193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-1024x659.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-768x494.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-1536x988.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-2048x1317.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-1080x695.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-1280x824.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-980x630.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-480x309.jpg 480w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/MG_3611-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8928 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_8960-300x192.jpg\" alt=\"humpback whale watching\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Humpback whales are identified by variations in colour patterns of the ventral side of the fluke (tail) and\/or of dorsal fin and flank.<\/p>\n<h2>Southern Right Whales<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9107 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Whales-and-Surfer-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"southern right whales australia\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9105 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Southern-Right-Whale-Bunker-Bay-300x194.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-8929 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_8152-300x176.jpg\" alt=\"Southern Right whale\" width=\"330\" height=\"194\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Southern Right Whales are identified by the patches of callosities on the head. These are specialised, roughened patches of skin. About 5% of the right whale population in Western Australia has an unusual, mottled pale skin coloration.\u00a0 Blue whales have distinctive dorsal fin shapes, fluke markings and mottling on their flanks that allow individuals to be identified.<\/p>\n<h2>Sperm Whales<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13385 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/20210331131900_IMG_6269-300x176.jpg\" alt=\"sperm whale tail\" width=\"300\" height=\"176\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12931 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-300x182.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-300x182.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-1024x622.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-768x466.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-1536x933.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-2048x1244.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-1080x656.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-1280x777.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-980x595.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-480x291.jpg 480w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/0G3A6118spermy-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-13387 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/20210331131853_IMG_6232-300x173.jpg\" alt=\"sperm whales\" width=\"300\" height=\"173\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Sperm whales can be identified by the variations in nicks and notches on the trailing edge of their flukes (tail). Adult males are much larger than females, and can also be distinguished by the presence or absence of calluses on the dorsal hump. A large percentage of females (about 85%) have calluses, whereas males almost never have them.<\/p>\n<h2>False Killer Whales and other Dolphins<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14053 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-300x159.jpg\" alt=\"false whales\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-300x159.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-1024x542.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-768x406.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-1536x813.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-2048x1084.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-1080x571.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-1280x678.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-980x519.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-480x254.jpg 480w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whales-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-14052 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-300x145.jpg\" alt=\"whales bremer bay\" width=\"325\" height=\"157\" srcset=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-1024x495.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-1536x742.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-2048x989.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-1080x522.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-1280x619.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-980x474.jpg 980w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-480x232.jpg 480w, https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/false-whale-bremer-bay-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 325px) 100vw, 325px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6852 alignnone size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/3x2false_killer_whale_faceKEITH2647fb-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"233\" height=\"156\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3274\">Building Knowledge from Photographic Identification<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Over time, information from photographic identification studies provides a wealth of information about whales and dolphins including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>population size\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>survival rates\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>reproduction\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>social organisation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3274\"><strong data-start=\"3214\" data-end=\"3274\">H3: Join Us for a Whale Watching Experience with Purpose<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3276\" data-end=\"3567\">When you join a <a href=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/\">Naturaliste Charters<\/a> whale watching tour, you are not just observing\u2014you are actively contributing to science. From the <a href=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/bremercanyonkillerwhales\/\">killer whale season in Bremer Canyon<\/a> to the humpback and southern right whales of Augusta and humpback and blue whales of Dunsborough, every sighting offers a chance to learn and protect.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3569\" data-end=\"3626\">\ud83d\udcf8 Bring your camera. Make memories. Help marine science.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We have a photographer on board all Bremer Canyon expeditions and we supply photographs of all cetacean species to research institutions and national and international databases to contribute to building an understanding of some of the southern oceans most iconic species.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":14842,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[80],"tags":[157,875,874,872,873],"class_list":["post-15431","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-whale-watching-blog","tag-bremer-canyon-orca","tag-citizen-science","tag-dolphin-identification","tag-photographic-identification","tag-whale-research"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.5 (Yoast SEO v28.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Whales Photographic Identification | Naturaliste Charters<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how photographic identification helps researchers track and study whales and dolphins across Western Australia&#039;s marine habitats.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Whales Photographic Identification\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how photographic identification helps researchers track and study whales and dolphins across Western Australia&#039;s marine habitats.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Naturaliste Charters\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/naturalistecharterswhalewatching\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-07-07T05:45:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-01T04:15:30+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"821\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Alison Cross\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@nat_charters\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@nat_charters\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Alison Cross\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Alison Cross\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7c43f8f4b64e47c57fe4ccf258f492a9\"},\"headline\":\"Whales Photographic Identification\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-07-07T05:45:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-01T04:15:30+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":952,\"commentCount\":1,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\\\/old\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/05\\\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"bremer canyon orca\",\"citizen science\",\"dolphin identification\",\"photographic identification\",\"whale research\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Daily Whale Watching Blog\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/\",\"name\":\"Whales Photographic Identification | Naturaliste Charters\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\\\/old\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/05\\\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-07-07T05:45:29+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-07-01T04:15:30+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover how photographic identification helps researchers track and study whales and dolphins across Western Australia's marine habitats.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\\\/old\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/05\\\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\\\/old\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2021\\\/05\\\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":821,\"caption\":\"Photographic identification of whales\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/blogs\\\/whales-photographic-identification\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Whales Photographic Identification\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/\",\"name\":\"Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching\",\"description\":\"Whale Watching Western Australia\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\\\/old\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/NC-Logo-2021-with-catchphraseArtboard-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\\\/old\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/NC-Logo-2021-with-catchphraseArtboard-1.png\",\"width\":1093,\"height\":456,\"caption\":\"Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/naturalistecharterswhalewatching\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/nat_charters\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/naturalistecharters\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@naturalistecharters\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@naturalistecharters\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.com.au\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7c43f8f4b64e47c57fe4ccf258f492a9\",\"name\":\"Alison Cross\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-AU\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f7abf4932d5f733186bb0183ba840f93e11409fe52c0c32912366aacf67e30d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f7abf4932d5f733186bb0183ba840f93e11409fe52c0c32912366aacf67e30d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/f7abf4932d5f733186bb0183ba840f93e11409fe52c0c32912366aacf67e30d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Alison Cross\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.whales-australia.com.au\\\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\\\/old\\\/blogs\\\/author\\\/alisoncross\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Whales Photographic Identification | Naturaliste Charters","description":"Discover how photographic identification helps researchers track and study whales and dolphins across Western Australia's marine habitats.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Whales Photographic Identification","og_description":"Discover how photographic identification helps researchers track and study whales and dolphins across Western Australia's marine habitats.","og_url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/","og_site_name":"Naturaliste Charters","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/naturalistecharterswhalewatching\/","article_published_time":"2021-07-07T05:45:29+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-07-01T04:15:30+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":821,"url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Alison Cross","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@nat_charters","twitter_site":"@nat_charters","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Alison Cross","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/"},"author":{"name":"Alison Cross","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#\/schema\/person\/7c43f8f4b64e47c57fe4ccf258f492a9"},"headline":"Whales Photographic Identification","datePublished":"2021-07-07T05:45:29+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-01T04:15:30+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/"},"wordCount":952,"commentCount":1,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg","keywords":["bremer canyon orca","citizen science","dolphin identification","photographic identification","whale research"],"articleSection":["Daily Whale Watching Blog"],"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/","url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/","name":"Whales Photographic Identification | Naturaliste Charters","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg","datePublished":"2021-07-07T05:45:29+00:00","dateModified":"2025-07-01T04:15:30+00:00","description":"Discover how photographic identification helps researchers track and study whales and dolphins across Western Australia's marine habitats.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/whale-watching-wa-australia.jpg","width":1000,"height":821,"caption":"Photographic identification of whales"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/blogs\/whales-photographic-identification\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Whales Photographic Identification"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#website","url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/","name":"Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching","description":"Whale Watching Western Australia","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-AU"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#organization","name":"Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching","url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NC-Logo-2021-with-catchphraseArtboard-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/NC-Logo-2021-with-catchphraseArtboard-1.png","width":1093,"height":456,"caption":"Naturaliste Charters Whale Watching"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/naturalistecharterswhalewatching\/","https:\/\/x.com\/nat_charters","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/naturalistecharters\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@naturalistecharters","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@naturalistecharters"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.com.au\/#\/schema\/person\/7c43f8f4b64e47c57fe4ccf258f492a9","name":"Alison Cross","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-AU","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7abf4932d5f733186bb0183ba840f93e11409fe52c0c32912366aacf67e30d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7abf4932d5f733186bb0183ba840f93e11409fe52c0c32912366aacf67e30d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f7abf4932d5f733186bb0183ba840f93e11409fe52c0c32912366aacf67e30d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Alison Cross"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.whales-australia.com.au\/"],"url":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/blogs\/author\/alisoncross\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15431","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15431"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15431\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40722,"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15431\/revisions\/40722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14842"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15431"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15431"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naturalistecharters.dilatevps1.cloudsites.net.au\/old\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15431"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}