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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. Maneuvering "like fighter pilots"
Rolex Laureates and ECOCEAN take a new look at whale shark motion. 
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.
22000+ photos collected
8300+ whale shark reports
1900+ data contributors
1700+ 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.
sharkGrid is: diving
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Is your computer unused part of the day? Click here to learn how to help our research!
Adopt a Shark
Adopt a shark to support our research and make a public statement for shark conservation! | ||
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| Adopted shark: H-048 | ||
| Why are shark research and conservation important? | ||
| "One of the best ways to be good stewards of the oceans and all their creatures is to proactively support whale shark conservation and research efforts. Ecocean is committed to whale shark research and data collection. Frank and I are committed to Ecocean and to educating the public in all areas of animal conservation. The information they have collected greatly enhances our knowledge about whale sharks. It increases our awareness about conservation of the earth's natural resources. We really enjoy the opportunity to contribute to Ecocean's database, and we get the chance to observe and swim the largest fish in the ocean, the whale shark!" | ||
| Refresh this page to see other adopters chosen at random. |
Your adoption gift to ECOCEAN USA is tax deductible in the United States. Click here to learn more.
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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