Whale Shark Photo-ID

[u4ia]

Hi All

I did a search on SB and didnt see this posted anywhere yet.

I came across this site from ECOCEAN, an Australian conservation organization, and thought it might be of interest to those of you diving in areas where you might be lucky enough to encounter whale sharks. they are collecting photo data of whale shark encounters to get a better idea of population numbers, migration and other habits of these amazing creatures. below is the link and a brief description from the site.

How rare is it to see one of these critters?

here is the link:

ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library

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.

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

I just came back from a whale shark expedition with the SRI in LaPaz, Mexico in December. We use the left side behind the gill slits as a "fingerprint" to identify each shark. We tagged 10 new sharks and there are about 250 total tagged with the SRI at this point. If you see a tag, please take down the information and pass it on to the SRI Shark Research Institute- shark conservation, education, research. Also any distinguishing characteristics, sex, estimate of size, and location helps to give us information on their migratory practices. Please, when encountering whale sharks, limit your physical contact, they can get stressed easily, especially the juveniles. You do not want to disturb their eating patterns. Photos are a great asset! Any information will make a difference!

Happy diving with my beautiful sharks!
Carolyn:sharks:

 

[Utila_ecology]

The Utila Centre for Marine Ecology, in the Bay Islands of Honduras, is working in conjunction with "Ecocean" to assess the population dynamics of Utila's whale sharks using specially designed image recognition software. Further, a series of ongoing studies will aim to identify what the sharks are feeding on and how they locate the feeding areas around the island. UCME welcomes volunteers to assist in this important data gathering - March to May is the peak season for whale shark migration through Utila's waters. Check out the volunteer and research tabs on Utila Centre for Marine Ecology

 

[alcina]

Yup, this is a great resource and program. We've been involved for years and every time I see a whale shark post anywhere I try to pop up the link!

 

[questunderseas]

Ecocean - research, education & conservation - Home

hi all,

theres two spots where whale sharks are really common, mozambique (where we work) and ningaloo australia where ecocean are based.

brad normen (ecocean founder) visited our project last year and we've been working with them since march 2007.

we've already id a new 17 sharks for the database, mainly immature males who appear to be heading for mozambique to feed on the rich plankton in the area.

you can find out more about our project through the ecocean website or get in touch with me thorugh our projects page


cheers,

chris

 

[questunderseas]

also of course, utila in march april and may sees large aggregation of whale sharks.

chris