I’m launching a new series on cetacean data collection in La Ventana—how to gather useful data, what information is relevant for each species, and insights into the findings. Let me know what you think!
Just like human fingerprints, no two whale tails are alike. Their unique markings—pigment patterns, scars, and fluke shapes—allow scientists to track them over time. For decades, researchers have used photo-identification techniques to study humpback whales, following their incredible migrations and monitoring population health.But what once took hours of manual cataloging can now be done in seconds, thanks to citizen science databases like HappyWhale.com. Last year, I photographed the fluke of a humpback whale singing beneath our boat. I discovered he was first recorded in 1994 and has been seen 21 times since, around California and the Gulf of California—and just three days ago, he was spotted again in Cabo! But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t traveled elsewhere—we just need more people to capture his fluke again!
Citizen Science: A Collective Power for Conservation
You, too, can help! Contributing to whale research is easy and impactful. When you’re at sea, simply:
Check your camera settings – Make sure the date and time are correct—this info is crucial for tracking sightings. Record the GPS location and time – A Google Maps screenshot works, even without signal! Photograph the underside of a humpback whale’s fluke – Photos are more useful than videos for identification. Submit your images to HappyWhale – Their AI system will match your whale against thousands of known individuals, revealing its history. Who knows? You might even identify a brand-new whale!
Mothers with calves rarely show their flukes, as they stay near the surface. Instead, we identify them by their dorsal fins (right and left sides). This data is crucial for studying breeding patterns. A local study is pending with scientists from MMAPE (Megafauna Marina and Pesquerías)—contact us if you have data to share!
How to Capture the Best Whale ID Shots
- Note your whale’s breathing cycle – How long does it dive? How many breaths does it take at the surface? This helps you anticipate its movements and be ready to collect data.
- Time it right – Snap your photo when the whale begins its deep dive, lifting its tail above the waterline.
- Get the right angle – We need the belly side of the fluke, so position yourself behind the whale at a safe distance.
- Take multiple shots – The more images, the better the chances of clear identification.
To date, the record for the longest time between first and last sighting of a humpback whale is 48.7 years—first seen in 1975! What will be the story of your whale?
Valentine Chassagnon – Reach out to @aguaceaexplora / info@aguacea.com / +52 612 149 1840