PROJECT INFO
Photo-ID studies have been used since the 1970s and are crucial to understand marine mammal migration patterns and population status. Just like humans, whales and seals are unique and recognizable. Individual whales can be identified by the shape of their fins and flukes and the presence of distinctive scars, whereas some seals can be identified by the pattern variations on their pelt. All this information can be derived from a good quality photograph.
Happywhale was launched in 2015 and is an easy-to-use platform that collects photos of marine mammals for photo-ID studies.
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
Travelling to the polar regions provides us with a unique opportunity to capture photographs of marine mammals. By submitting these photos to Happywhale with just a few easy steps, we contribute invaluable data to support research on how marine mammals are recovering from exploitation and how they are responding in a rapidly changing climate.
HOW CAN WE HELP?
SEASON UPDATE
PROJECT IMPACT
Happywhale has received more than one million images from over tens of thousands of contributors, becoming a major source of marine mammal photo-ID data in the polar regions.
In the Antarctic, Happywhale was instrumental in the formation of a whale protection regime implemented by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to reduce the risk of whales strikes. This region was later expanded, now covering approximately 40,000km² where ships are restricted to a maximum speed of 10kn.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Happywhale’s data is shared with various research groups, depending on species. Some of the key players for the polar regions are: Allied Whale, Antarctic Killer Whale Photo Identification Catalogue, Friedlaender Lab, GlobaLeps, Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), Sei Whales in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Southern Ocean Research Partnership (SORP), WHALE:SWIM Project – Southern Right Whales in South Georgia.
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