All identification photos taken of whales during the NZ-Australia Antarctic Ecosystems Voyage to the Ross Sea 2015

All photos taken during the NZ-Australia Antarctic Ecosystems Voyage on the RV Tangaroa to the Ross Sea 2015 in an attempt to get a best photo identification image of blue whales, killer whales, humpback whales and minke whales. Image collection location and other details such as photographer, species, date (UTC) can be found in excel spreadsheet. A scan of all photo ID data forms is also included and contains further detail on each photographic event.Photo-identification images of whales are collected using digital SLR cameras. Individual blue whales are identifiable from unique patterns of mottled pigment on both sides of the body, and also from variations in dorsal fin shape and any permanent scars that may be present. Blue whales will be photographed at an angle perpendicular to the whale, capturing the pigmentation in the area of the dorsal fin. Individual humpback whales are identifiable from photographs of the ventral flukes or the dorsal fin (perpendicular angle) if the whale does not fluke up.