PHOTO-IDENTIFICATION CATALOGUES

Photo-identification is a non-intrusive research method, which uses photographs of markings or features on the animal’s body to identify individual animals. Each year, HWDT analyses thousands of photographs from our community sightings network, Whale Track, and dedicated surveys on our research vessel Silurian to identify which individuals have been seen.

Over the past 30 years, this information has built an important long-term picture about whale and dolphin movements on the west coast of Scotland, helping us assess the tendency of individuals to remain or return to particular areas. HWDT also monitors scars, injuries and parasites to provide valuable evidence about their health and the threats they face. These insights into their lives are vital to inform suitable conservation measures.