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’.

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, head of eco-tourism for John Keells 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.

Already, both projects have revealed interesting facts about their respective species. Orca Project Sri Lanka’s ID catalogue currently holds 9 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. An Orca known from the catalogue as OM001 was the first to be confirmed from photo ID as being seen in all three locations.

The photo records have confirmed that some individuals return to the island each year, with sightings being the highest between January-December and March to April. The peak of the orca sightings tend to coincide with the Blue and Sperm whale season for the south and north, suggesting that the orcas may be in the area to predate on these species as well as the plentiful dolphins. It is thought that the orcas seen off Sri Lanka may be a mammal-eating ecotype, with two documented accounts of predation and attempted predation towards Blue and Sperm whales.

Wild Blue has also made some interesting discoveries, currently 50 unique blue whales being catalogued, which is expected to increase in the coming field seasons as more are photographed. So far, there have been three confirmed matches of blue whales. These include a blue whale seen off Mirissa in 2008 being recorded again in 2013, also off Mirissa, with both sightings occurring during April.

With time, the long term Photo ID study of these two species could reveal much about their lifestyle such as where they go, population numbers, diet, sex, births, deaths and so much more, all without disturbing the animals. These inclusive public-science initiatives hope to install a sense of stewardship towards the whales, as well as bring the whale watching community closer through being part of the exciting discoveries that we can learn together.

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 georgina.wildoceans@gmail.com