Growing Success

17000+ photos collected
6300+ whale shark reports
1400+ whale sharks collaboratively tagged
1500+ data contributors
365 research days/year

Introducing the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library

The ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library is a visual database of whale shark (Rhincodon typus) encounters and of individually catalogued whale sharks. The library is maintained and used by marine biologists to collect and analyse whale shark encounter data to learn more about these amazing creatures.

The Library uses photographs of the skin patterning behind the gills of each shark and any scars to distinguish between individual animals. Cutting-edge software supports rapid identification using pattern recognition and photo management tools.

You too can assist with whale shark research - by submitting photos and sighting information. The information you submit will be used in mark-recapture studies to help with the global conservation of this threatened species.

Video

Dinosaurs, the Hubble Space Telescope, and whale sharks. What do these three elements have in common? Click a link below to watch ABC's Catalyst video to find out more about the technology used in the ECOCEAN Library!

Windows Media RealPlayer Transcript

Click here for additional whale shark videos.