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Today is another day confined to port, and plenty of office-type work being done. Due to the hard work of the photo-ID specialists over the past few days, we know we have photographed 12 individual blue whales in the four days we were out on the water. Blue whales can be identified by the dappling of pigmentation on their backs.
But the trick is to get the right photographic conditions to ensure contrast of the dappling; to get photographs on both sides of an animal's back; and to capture enough of the surface of the back before the animal dives out of sight. This is quite a challenge in open water, not to mention trying to photograph shy and often fast moving animals.
So, 12 individuals might not seem like much, but we're chuffed!
REGARDS: Natalie and Dave
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.