Although they are vastly different animals, the methods used for identifying Great Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) and Orcas (Orcinus orca) are remarkably similar. Both species have incredibly large, uniquely shaped dorsal fins that accumulate scars and markings over the animal's lifetime. These unique characteristics are what scientists use to identify individual animals.
Spending the majority of the year working as a Naturalist in Canada, photo identification is a technique that I am all too familiar with. Pictured here is a fan favourite, T019B (Galiano) from the Biggs killer whale population. Galiano is one of the largest individuals in the population and can be found traveling with his brother, mother, and grandmother in the waters off the west coast of Canada and the United States. Also pictured here is Queen, one of the most recognizable great hammerheads to frequent the waters of Bimini.
✍ & 📸: @elasmoluke 📸: @wadewithwyatt
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