Tracking blues whales in Sri Lanka

Friday, 15 November 2013 05:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Photo identification to unravel secrets of blue whales and orcas off Sri Lankan waters The deep waters that surround Sri Lanka’s coastline are becoming known for their rich diversity of marine-life, in particular cetaceans, where one can have the opportunity to observe a great diversity of species. Since May 2008, it has become known that it is the best place for seeing the largest animal to have ever graced our planet, the mighty blue whale.

Despite the immense size and mind-boggling proportions, this creature remains one of the most mysterious species on earth and still very little is known about their lifestyle. The same could be said for another, less frequent but equally iconic visitor to the island, the orca or killer whale, the largest member of the dolphin family and star of the film ‘Free Willy’. Pioneering initiatives But now two pioneering initiatives supported by Cinnamon Nature Trails and John Keells Hotels aim to use citizen-science to work together with the public in trying to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding these two whales. The two projects Wild Blue and Orca Project Sri Lanka (OPSL) both employ a simple, inexpensive and yet effective method by which to study the two species. They encourage the general public to share their information and images to contribute to the publicly available on-line catalogues of Orca and Blue Whale individuals. There is also an on-line log of all orca encounters off Sri Lanka.

Both Wild Blue and OPSL use photo identification to identify individuals based on unique markings and characteristics. The tail or fluke of the blue whales bear scratches, scars and tears unique to each individual. The orcas can be identified using the shape, marks and notches on the dorsal fin as well as the different shapes of the white eye-patch. The two initiatives are utilising unconventional methods such as social media platforms like Flickr and Facebook in which to share the catalogues and sightings details. The objective is for both projects to function as a library, where information can be contributed and accessed by all, whether for general interest or to complement scientific research. The projects are coordinated by British naturalist Georgina Gemmell, John Keells Head of Eco-Tourism Chitral Jayatilake and wildlife tourism champion Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne. Canon Sri Lanka and their local representatives, Metropolitan Group are the official photo equipment sponsor for this effort. Photo ID catalogue Already, both projects have revealed interesting facts about their respective species. Orca Project Sri Lanka’s ID catalogue currently holds nine identified individuals, and has provided the first confirmation that the orcas seen in Kalpitya, Mirissa and Trincomalee may at least in some cases be the same individuals. All of the information regarding the projects, catalogues and how to contribute images for identification, can be found by searching on-line or by contacting the lead administrator on [email protected].