Click here to vote for a whale’s nickname!

ID Numbers and Nicknames

Each winter, we undertake the process of rigorously matching each whale seen in a given year against the coast-wide catalogue. Any new whales that we identify are designated a standardized ID number by the Canadian Pacific Humpback Collaboration according to how much white is on the fluke (BCX is less than 20% white, BCY is 20 to 80% white, BCZ is more than 80% white).
For example, Split Fluke has a mostly black fluke, and was the 1068th mostly black fluked Humpback to the documented in BC waters, so she is known as BCX1068.

We often give the Humpbacks nicknames to help the public appreciate the whales as unique individuals with their own personal histories. These names are usually based on distinctive markings on the whale’s fluke or dorsal fin.

The NickNaming Process

Before a whale is given a nickname, we check with colleagues and reference the HappyWhale platform to ensure it is not already named; given the extensive ranges these whales can travel, they will sometimes earn names from those observing them on their breeding grounds or elsewhere.

We are happy to accept nickname suggestions for any whale - these names will be included in the photo ID catalogue.

Please keep in mind the following guidelines when choosing a name:

• Nicknames should be based on unique markings on the whale’s fluke or dorsal - this ensures that the names are relevant and memorable to all

• Gender neutral names are best, unless we know the sex of the individual