Photo identification
Posted by Leandra onboard the Esperanza
Leandra on the bridge wing with her binoculars
We will perform non-lethal whale research through sightings, pictures and sounds. We will also continue the marine debris survey. I will tell you a little about the humpback photo identification.
Photo identification is a method based on the variations of ventral fluke pigmentation of humpback whales. It has been used since 1979. This technique has provided information on many aspects of life history, abundance, distribution, movements and migratory patterns. It is a good way to show the Japanese government's whalers how we can do GOOD and TRUSTWORTHY research without killing the whale.
We need to match our pictures with other catalogues, and this way we can discover important information about whale migration. After comparing these pictures, we can put them together with the results of the whale tagging and get a better picture of whales and their lives in the ocean.
Another thing I like about the project is that THE WHOLE CREW can be engaged and take some tail fluke pictures!
I started the whale sightings yesterday, looking for whales and dolphins. It was amazing; we could see our first group of 10 bottlenose dolphins. Bottlenose, yes, they are the "Flipper" kind of dolphin, the most common and friendly species. I didn't see any whales though, and I don't have to tell you we will not see whales all the time, everyday! So we need to pay attention and have a lot of patience.
From today and onwards, I will stay one hour a day looking for marine debris, and 2 hours after that looking for whales and dolphins.
I am very excited about this project and the results - let's keep our fingers crossed and wait for the whales. When I have some news I promise to tell you as soon as possible.
- Leandra
Comments
Hi Leandra,
Thank you for your report. It really is wonderful to hear how your research is going, and to learn more about the whales. Best of luck for this continued great work.
Also thanks for the beautiful humpback photos and sounds. The photos are beautiful and the sounds amazing to hear. Thanks guys - it makes them feel so real to us back here.
Thinking of you all out there every day.. and the whales you are working so hard to protect. Keep going guys - we are behind you every step (wave?) of the way!
Best of luck and Stay safe...
x
Jen
Posted by: Jenni Barrett | November 27, 2007 2:50 PM
Hi, I hear Sea Life Centres in the UK are taking Japanese products off their shelves and asking children to write a letter to Santa asking him not to send any gifts made in Japan this christmas.
I hope more companies follow suit
Jason
Posted by: Jason Wilkinson | November 27, 2007 3:09 PM
Hi Leandra,
This is what I like about the campaign of Greenpeace: not only to defend the whales but also to study them. Showing the Japanese Government how research of living creatures should be. To let them live and to study them in their own enviroment.
Please keep on doing your good works. Whish you and the rest of the crew good luck.
Gerald
Posted by: Gerald | November 27, 2007 6:55 PM
I suppose that, like the U.S., the Japanese have their own powerful lobbies to contend with. Since the world has grown so small, "national" lobbies have become a global problem.
I'm interested in the fact that you are doing a marine debris survey. I wonder what data you collect and how it is used.
Posted by: Mike Koen | November 28, 2007 1:10 AM
Hi all,
Without any information on the news i'm pleased this weblog is here to follow day by day, it's great news you've already spotted dolphins, can't wait for the first whale sightings, your all doing a great job.
I'm assuming when you say marine debris your looking for carcasses and signs of pollution? Just guessing there.
I also noticed a picture of the japanese boat with the huge lettering on the side "RESEARCH" I remember Irene mentioning that in an earlier post, what I thought was strange is why have it written in english? If it truly was a research boat it wouldn't need emphasizing in english, it would be in their own language. Unless of course they are trying to convince us they are doing something they are not, if that makes sense.
I'm hoping all the whaling ships capsize with no loss of life but for an ironic twist the Esperanza picks all survivors up, just in time for christmas,lol
Tony:)
Posted by: Tony Lewis | November 28, 2007 4:37 AM
I really do think that everyone knows that the Japanese are not conducting research. Whaling is an industry, which means it is political, therefore, as Mike says, political lobby groups supporting whaling in Japan are obviously stronger than those opposing whaling.
I hope that you guys will not have to endanger your lives to save our most precious ocean treasures, may sanity prevail and the hunt is canceled.
Martin
Posted by: dwarven | November 28, 2007 7:37 AM
Thanks for the update, I read the web blog every day. I am hoping that with your help a few whales will be saved. If it is possible could you post any pictures of dolphins and whales etc that ye encounter on the site. Thanks
Posted by: kris | November 28, 2007 12:39 PM