Researchers with NOAA Fisheries and the Vancouver Aquarium have captured some gorgeous photos of the Southern Resident killer whales using a hexacopter, a type of drone.
The orcas are extremely endangered and scientists are using the images to track their growth and health.
This year, the images mostly showed good news. The orcas seem to be fatter than last year and several of the females appear to be pregnant.
NOAA released a fascinating video in which John Durban, a marine mammal biologist with NOAA Fisheries, discusses the photos. Watch that above. They also released some b-roll (below) that shows how some of the images were captured. There’s also a lovely shot of some of the orcas swimming together that starts about 3:30.
For more photos, check out this photo gallery.
Important note: The researchers had permission to operate a drone near the orcas from NOAA and the FFA. They stayed at least 90 feet above them at all times. Orcas are protected species. Guidelines for operating a drone near marine mammals.
B-Roll: Photogrammetry Research on Southern Resident Killer Whales from NOAA Fisheries on Vimeo.
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