Identifying Individual Whales

Identifying individual animals is something of a learning curve and even those of us who are used to doing IDs over many years can have difficulty at times. Photographic evidence is extremely important to confirm an ID. With Humpback Whales, the easiest method is the underside of the tail fluke. Every mark and coloration variance is relevant. When it comes to an all black tail, it becomes a bit tougher and every bump and crevice along the edge of the tail fluke becomes an important feature for determination. We even have to count the ridges at times. Dorsal fins and pectoral flipper underside markings are also distinctive to each animal and can be used to help with identification markers. When it comes to Orca IDs, you might notice in our reports the mention of a big fin, or male, in the pod. As Orca stay in family groups, or pods, knowing how males are with the pod, and how many total, is helpful to determine the family pod. These males are sons who stay with their mothers for life, only separating for short periods of time to mate outside their family pod. Once again to determine an individual, we look at the size, shape, nicks, and saddle patch markings to determine an individual. Eye patch markings have been added as an additional method of identification. The primary research has been aimed at the larger whales and there are catalogues of IDs of these larger whale species for reference which we regularly use for ID confirmation. This same scenario is used for all Cetacean species, but identifying individuals of the smaller species, for whom we have no reference catalogues, can be almost impossible with large numbers in a group and the speed they travel.

Boaters, use caution on the water. Remember N.E.W.S. when you see a whale, meaning put your boat in NEUTRAL, ENJOY the view, WAIT till the whales are at a fair distance, and then SLOWLY leave the scene.

The Federal Government (DFO) has issued the following statement about watching whales in the wild: “To address disturbance in the presence of whales, a mandatory 400-metre vessel approach distance for all killer whales is in effect starting June 1, 2020 in all southern British Columbia coastal waters between Campbell River and just north of Ucluelet. The Marine Mammal Regulations continue to remain in effect year-round, including maintaining a minimum 200 metre approach distance from all killer whales in Canadian Pacific waters other than described above, and 100 metres for other whales, porpoises and dolphins OR 200 metres when the animal is in resting position or with a calf.”

WOWs works throught the year, so please continue to keep your eyes open, and report your sightings to us.