You’ve heard of facial recognition for humans, but what about dolphins and whales?

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - New facial recognition technology is helping scientists identify whales and dolphins across 24 species in the wild. It works by identifying characteristics on individual whales and dolphins. Once scientists identify the animals through facial recognition photography, they’re able to track and observe their behavior from afar. Philip Patton, a UH-Manoa Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology doctoral student, said this new tool provides a way to observe animal social behavior in a non-invasive way. The UH-Manoa Marine Mammal Research Program has also been using the fast-paced model to influence conservation efforts for marine mammals in Hawaii.