WHALE TRACK AND PHOTO ID

Whale Track is a community of citizen scientist who report their sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises across Scotland. Alongside the research technique of photo-identification (Photo ID); a non-intrusive research method which allows researchers to identify individual whales, the long-term data collected provides the evidence needed to protect and restore the marine environment, and better understand the wide-scale impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises.

During the training, we will be talk you through the different options for reporting your sightings through Whale Track, what makes a good photograph for photo ID and what we have learnt so far from long term monitoring.

During the session we will cover:

• the key features of Whale Track

• how to report using the different functions

• what makes a good report

• key considerations when taking photos of whales and dolphins

• wildlife watching guidelines and the law

• priority species for photo-ID research in Scotland

• what makes a good photograph

• why your reports are so important

• a chance to ask questions

This training is funded by Baillie Gifford and is part of NatureScot's Nature Restoration Skills Week