Supported by Canon U.S.A. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) conducts scientific research to protect dolphins through a photo-identification system using Canon's high-resolution digital cameras, digital video camcorders, and image-stabilized photographic lenses and binoculars.
Digital imaging equipment donated by Canon forms the data collection backbone for scientists at the Fort Pierce research center. Canon EOS digital cameras and Canon XL1/XL1S digital video camcorders are used with personal computers to store dolphin dorsal fin images in an analytical database. The images identify the dolphins by nicks, scars and pigmentation.
Prior to the digital imaging solution, HBOI used 35mm cameras to capture images. This was a time-consuming and expensive process.
Dolphins spend little time on the water's surface. They are elusive and non-directional, making them difficult to photograph. Poor water clarity in the lagoon, the reflection of light off the water and changing light and water conditions create other documentation problems.
Slide images were analyzed and results entered manually into archives. The outlines of dorsal fins had to be traced to a "master" log to document and identify different dolphins.
For every day in the field, researchers spent two or three days in the lab analyzing and archiving data. With digital technology, that ratio is 1:1.
