Identification of Marine species: The importance of photo-ID in cetacean conservation in Baja California Sur

Every day in nature provides an invaluable opportunity to document and better understand our environment. Whales and dolphins, with their wide distributions, underwater lifestyles, and migration patterns, are fascinating yet challenging subjects to study. Their populations are constantly changing, with fluctuating group compositions and constant movements of individuals. Cetacean researchers use photographic identification (photo-ID) to study their behavior and dynamics. Photo-ID allows us to identify individuals by comparing photographs with existing databases. Each image contributes to understanding the associations between individuals, group compositions, and population sizes—crucial data for conservation.Orcas, like other cetacean species, can be identified individually by their natural markings and differences in the shape of their dorsal fins. These unique characteristics, such as notches and scars on the dorsal fin, and variations in the saddle patch on their back, allow us to distinguish orcas individually. The importance of photographic identification of orcas lies in its ability to monitor movement and behavior non-invasively, and to record births and survival over time. This detailed demographic data allows us to estimate population size, survival rates, reproduction, and growth, which are fundamental for the effective conservation of orcas in the Baja California peninsula. This information aids in making management decisions and promoting effective conservation of these and other species in these waters.Join an expedition in the Gulf of California with our team and learn to identify species through photography.