West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 7
Marine Mammal Physical Characteristics
Below are some general physical characteristics to take note
of when collecting marine mammal sighting information.
Cetaceans
• Body shape – Robust or slender, small or large?
• Head shape – Long or short, definite beak present,
bulbous forehead?
• Dorsal fin shape – small or large, curvature, location
on body?
• Coloration – spots, stripes, patches or mottling?
• Scars and scratch marks – pieces missing from fins,
scratches or dents on body?
• Orca saddle patches – note exact size and shape of
patch. Take a photo if possible. Researchers are able
to identify individual Orcas by their saddle patch.
• Shape and direction of blow – bushy or tall blow,
single or double blow, blow is straight up or goes
forward?
Pinnnipeds
• Body shape – Robust or slender, small or large?
• Head shape – Long or short snout, ears present?
• Coloration – spots, stripes, patches or mottling?
• Scars and scratch marks – pieces missing from
flippers, scratches on body?
7-14 1/30/2004