A dwarf minke glides past divers near Australia's Great Barrier Reef, at the site of what may be the species' only known breeding-season gathering. Instead of chasing whales with noisy boats, researchers and tourists drift silently. Inquisitive minkes soon approach, often in bunches.
Scientists photograph and film each whale.
They've cataloged more than 200 individuals, each recognized by distinctive asymmetrical color patterns. All rights reserved.