Research

Whales are some of the most fascinating animals on the planet, and they continue to surprise us. That spirit of curiosity drives everything we do at Saltwater Science.

Our research focuses on the health and behaviour of whales and other marine mammals across their range. We want to understand how these animals are responding to a changing ocean, how human activity affects their behaviour, and what threats remain even as some populations recover.

We collect data in two ways: through dedicated field studies using drone-based photogrammetry, photo-identification, and behavioural observation, and through citizen science photo submissions from the public. Every photograph of a whale or dolphin, taken anywhere in the world, has the potential to contribute to our science.

These animals don't respect borders, and neither does our research. Our founder has conducted fieldwork in Hawaii, Australia, and Japan, and her research, much of it focused on humpback whales, has been cited by scientists and policymakers around the world.

Saltwater Science is in its founding year. Our first research programs are in development, building directly on this body of work. If you would like to support our research, we would love to hear from you.