An important part of sperm whale research is identifying individuals. That process includes photographing individual whales in the research area, and matching the photos with genetic samples. Individual sperm whales are identified by the unique markings on their backs, sides and undersides of their flukes, and by the shape of the dorsal fins and flukes. These markings are as unique as fingerprints.

The researchers chartered a small, high speed vessel to allow the primary investigator (PI) to take photos and collect genetic samples from sperm whales in the research area. Longline fisherman participating in the study helped the researchers find whales by calling in when they spotted sperm whales on the fishing grounds. Researchers then motored out to the area reported by the fisherman and located the whales using a directional hydrophone.

Researchers photographed the sperm whales with either a 35mm SLR loaded with high speed black and white film, or a digital camera. Both were equipped with a 300mm telephoto lens. The researchers took field notes on the whales’ behavior, group size, surface activities, dive duration, and level of interaction with gear. Each whale’s information – behavior, photos and skin sample – was entered into a computer database. The best photograph of each individual whale was printed and used in the final sperm whale catalog of individuals. Individual photographs are then compared to all available sperm whale photographs, including catalogs from other areas, to determine if the whales sighted are different or the same whales.

Sperm whales are identified by the shape and nicks on trailing edge of flukes

All NMFS Scientific Research Permits required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act for collecting genetic tissue samples and photographs have been issued to NMFS, SWFSC and J. Straley, UAS.