National Museum of Natural Science

Do we use satellite tracking? Do we just bump into them randomly on the road? Or perhaps we ask the dolphins to report to the harbor every morning for a "roll call" to count their numbers?

In reality, most major cetacean (whale and dolphin) surveys today still rely on boats. Researchers define a specific survey area based on the habits of the species they want to study. They then map out survey routes—known as transects—within that area. By strictly following these pre-determined paths, they ensure the entire region is covered systematically, without missing any sections.

However, the ocean is vast. For a successful sighting record to occur, three things must happen simultaneously:

1. A whale or dolphin must surface to breathe.
2. The research vessel must be passing nearby at that exact moment.
3. A researcher must spot that fleeting 1–2 second glimpse of a breath amidst the endless waves.

Every single data point requires a perfect alignment of factors. To achieve this, researchers must remain fully focused throughout the survey, intently scanning the sea surface. They are constantly searching for shapes that might appear at any time or place—or perhaps not appear at all. It is a tremendous test of mental endurance and patience.

Due to the unpredictable nature of wild animals, every single sighting record is incredibly valuable. These records are hard-earned by numerous researchers working tirelessly under the scorching sun. Let’s give a round of applause for these dedicated individuals who quietly contribute so much to scientific research!

The key is to select a coastal spot with high elevation and a good, clear field of view in an area frequented by whales or dolphins. Most importantly, you need patience to wait and scan the sea continuously; you might just be rewarded with a sighting.

Take the Taiwanese white dolphin (Sousa chinensis) as an example. When you see something white bobbing on the sea surface, there's a high probability it's discarded Styrofoam or the legendary "Chinese white sea-foam" (a playful term for whitecaps, or small breaking waves). But occasionally, you might get lucky and actually spot a dolphin. Therefore, try to choose a calm day with flat seas to avoid excessive whitecaps interfering with your view and causing you to miss a potential encounter.

However, land-based observation differs from observations at sea. Whales and dolphins will likely be much further away, so it is essential to bring optical equipment like binoculars or a spotting scope. This allows you to verify any "suspicious objects" you spot.

Also, keep in mind that coastal observation points often lack shade. Be sure to use sun protection and stay hydrated. If you are in a potentially precarious location, wearing a life jacket is highly recommended to prevent accidental falls into the water.

If you are fortunate enough to witness them in the wild, why not snap a photo for the record? Reporting this precious data can contribute significantly to scientific research.

Fountain, Tofu, Strawberry Milk, and A-Man—each dolphin has its own name. But don't all dolphins look the same to us? How do researchers accurately identify who is who?

The Taiwanese white dolphin is a special species. Their body color gradually changes from grey-black in infancy to pinkish-white in adulthood. Simultaneously, dark spots or patterns remain on their bodies. Researchers rely on comparing the photographs collected during surveys, using these unique markings to create a "Dolphin ID Card" for each individual white dolphin.

For other large cetaceans, such as Humpback Whales and Sperm Whales, identification primarily relies on the unique shape and markings of their flukes (tails), as they do not have distinct patterns on their bodies.

However, for smaller cetaceans like Finless Porpoises and Bottlenose Dolphins, which also lack unique body markings, a standard identification method is yet to be established. This is due to factors like their elusive behavior, large group sizes, or the difficulty of consistently photographing their flukes.

If you are lucky enough to encounter our charming marine visitors at sea, in addition to reporting your sighting, we encourage you to take a photo of them. Who knows, you might just confirm the return of an old friend we haven't seen in a while!

Imagine you are walking along the coast and suddenly discover a whale or dolphin stranded on the beach. What should you do?

We understand you will be concerned and feel distressed, but remember: Absolutely DO NOT touch or attempt to move the animal. Any untrained action could cause secondary harm to the whale or dolphin. Furthermore, if the cetacean has an aggressive reaction, it could also put you in danger.

Therefore, if you find a whale or dolphin that needs help on the coast, please immediately dial the Coast Guard Hotline: 118.

• Inform the Coast Guard personnel about the situation and your exact location.
• Follow their instructions for handling the situation.
• If the environment is safe, we also recommend staying at the scene until the Coast Guard arrives to take over.

If you find a cetacean carcass that is clearly deceased, please maintain a distance. Do not touch the body with your bare hands or take away any tissue samples.

• Immediately dial the Coast Guard Hotline: 118.
• Inform them of the location and that the cetacean is clearly deceased.
• Follow their instructions for the next steps.

It is natural to feel anxious and heartbroken when you see a stranded cetacean. However, since we are not professionally trained, the best assistance we can offer is to immediately seek professional help. Let's all hope they can recover quickly and return to the embrace of nature.