Whale Shark Photo-ID Library
Sharkbook: Wildbook for Whalesharks (originally known as the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library) is the largest monitoring program for the species in the world. It uses photos of the unique skin patterning of individual whale sharks to monitor population numbers, track their movements and compare if the same shark has been seen in the same area, or elsewhere, before.
Cutting-edge software supports rapid identification using pattern recognition and photo management tools. The Library is maintained and used by marine biologists to collect and analyse whale shark encounter data to learn more about these amazing creatures.
There are currently over 50,000 photos in the Library of whale sharks encountered at locations in more than 50 countries around the world. It is accessible online globally , so anyone can become a ‘citizen-scientist’ and report their whale shark sighting to the Library as an encounter.
ECOCEAN works hand in hand with its partner group WildMe (USA) to promote uptake of Sharkbook. This citizen science program is now used to monitor whale sharks throughout the world including in Indonesia, Mexico, Mozambique, Seychelles, Maldives, Galapagos, Belize, Honduras and Philippines.
How to take the perfect picture
A whale shark’s spots are unique to each individual , rather like a fingerprint. We specifically use the area on the shark’s side behind the gills and above the pectoral fin. It has enough variation and is easily photographed while swimming alongside the shark. Take the photo from as close to 90° as possible. The left-hand side is used as the standard to determine if a shark has been seen before or is “new” to the Library. If possible, also photograph this region on the shark’s right side, and any scars or injuries the shark may have.
And please record the following details about your whale shark encounter:
- Date and time
- Location (with GPS if available)
- Size and sex (if known)
