Photographic Identification (Photo-ID)

"Photo-ID is a methodology that identifies specific physical characteristics which are visually recognized to be unique for individual animals.  Using photographs of these animals, the individuals can be tracked over time.  This has provided a valuable alternative to standard tagging programs and opened up opportunities for greater involvement by citizen scientists who submit their photos to the researchers.  The concept of photo-ID is rather amazing, and I applaud the scientists around the world who have developed species-specific ways to document individual animals within their population studies.  Working together, we can all participate in the conservation of these species!  See below for ways to contribute your marine wildlife photographs to my colleagues here in Hawai'i."

​Mahalo!
~Cheryl King, photo-ID ambassador

Whale Sharks

Please contact the Hawai'i Uncharted Research Collective (HURC) to submit your Hawaiian whale shark sightings!
https://www.hawaiiuncharted.org   
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Manta Rays

Please contact the Hawai'i Association for Marine Education and Research (HAMER) to submit your Maui Nui manta ray sightings!
http://www.hamerinhawaii.org

Marine Mammals

Please contact the Cascadia Research Collective to submit your Hawaiian toothed whale and dolphin sightings!
http://www.cascadiaresearch.org
Please contact  Happy Whale to submit your Hawaiian humpback whale sightings!
http://www.happywhale.com

Wildbook:
​Global Photo-ID for Multiple Marine and Terrestrial Species 

We're thrilled to be collaborating with Wildbook to create a software-assisted photo-ID program for our Hawaiian hawksbill photo-ID catalog.  Check out all of their amazing projects and conservation initiatives!  
http://www.wildbook.org

Please remember...  These animals are protected under state and federal laws and it is illegal to harass, harm, pursue, or capture.  Please ensure that photos are taken from a responsible and respectful distance.  Any efforts to photograph them must not disturb or alter natural behavior.
​Mahalo!