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New pattern matching power added!
The ECOCEAN Library is now fully integrated with the IVEC cluster, giving the whale shark research community a new, on-demand source of computing power for matching spot patterns across the global data set. IVEC processing nodes are automatically requested when a new scan is submitted.A new look at Ningaloo whale sharks
ECOCEAN looks at abundance, length, and residency time for whale sharks at Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia. The results are published in Endangered Species Research. 
Awards
Data Sharing
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.
28000+ photos collected
11000+ whale shark reports
2300+ data contributors
2300+ whale sharks collaboratively tagged
365 research days/year
Growing Success
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!
Click here for additional whale shark videos.Data Contributors
Many individuals and organizations actively contribute and manage data in the ECOCEAN Library. We will be featuring them here soon.
Contact us
ECOCEAN USA is always hoping for opportunities to better tell the story of whale sharks and the growing body of research and discoveries made possible by dedicated scientists, volunteers, and the general public.
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sharkGrid is: swimming
Processors: 12
Is your computer unused part of the day? Click here to learn how to help our research!
In the Press
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The ECOCEAN Library was used in support of the BBC Oceans television series. |
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Tracking whale sharks and polar bears in National Geographic News. |
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