Photo identification
Photo-identification is a powerful technique used throughout the world on a wide range of species. It involves obtaining images of individual animals in an attempt to identify any unique markings which can be used to identify the animal. For example: humpback whales have unique marking on the underside of their tails, right whales can be identified by the size and position of the callosities on their heads. Dolphins often have notches or markings in their dorsal fins which are permanent and can be used to recognise them as individuals over many years.
We are interested in obtaining images of whales and dolphins which might be suitable for photo-identification. Anybody with a reasonable SLR camera and lens who obtains these images can contribute to our better understanding of whales and dolphins in Irish waters, by forwarding their images to IWDG.
You can help
In the case of dolphins, you should take photographs of their dorsal fins, for minke or fin whales the dorsal fin and flanks can show unique features, and in the case of humpbacks, the ventral surface (underside) of their tail fluke which shows when they lift it into the air, will reveal unique scarring.
You should also include information like: date, time, species, numbers, location and behaviour etc. You can forward your high resolution images to the IWDG. These can be emailed to sightings@iwdg.ie as large jpegs (we have broadband) or they can be put on a CD and posted to Pádraig Whooley, IWDG Sightings Co-ordinator, Dereen, Rossmore, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.
Your images will only be used for scientific purposes and you will receive full acknowledgement as the image owner. We also hope that when you obtain an image that you'll take some time to go through our photo ID catalogue to see if you can find a match with any of the whales on our existing database.