Data collected by Aquarium volunteers helps to identify and support the conservation of local whales
The Aquarium of the Pacific has been documenting endangered and non-endangered whales and dolphins through its Whale Photo I.D. program since 2010. Aquarium staff photograph and record sightings of each whale during the Aquarium’s daily public whale watch outings aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises. After this, they log the species, upload the photos, add GPS coordinates, record, animal behavior, and note the weather conditions on the water. The photos themselves are tagged with specific keywords—such as lunge feeding, rostrum, and blowholes—to make it easy to use the photos later for identification purposes. This data is used by scientists to better understand these whales and even resulted in the discovery of a resident population of fin whales.
The Aquarium of the Pacific and its staff are deeply committed to leading the way in setting new standards in compassionate animal care.
Adopt an axolotl at the $100+ level to receive a special Valentine’s themed box that includes a snuggly axolotl plush, customizable Valentine’s Day card, an animal fact card and candy. Plus, the first 60 to adopt an axolotl will get an additional gift – an axolotl themed slime! Adopt by February 4 to ensure holiday delivery. While supplies last!
