ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library version 1.5

The ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library is a multiuser, web-based, research application for studying whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). The aim of the ECOCEAN Library is to prevent individual "silos" of whale shark data and to promote a global, cooperative approach to whale shark research using the Web as a communications and research platform. Originally started in 1995, the Library went on-line and began collecting whale shark encounter data from the web in January 2003. In early 2004, the pattern-recognition system that allows the Library to distinguish between individual whale sharks using natural spot patterning was integrated. In 2005, the Library won a Duke's Choice Award for innovative use of Java technology. In 2006, Brad Norman of ECOCEAN won a Rolex Award for Enterprise to expand the research stations using the Library. In 2007, ECOCEAN won the Peter Benchley Shark Conservation Award (Science category) for its continuing work on whale sharks.

Since its first line of code, the ECOCEAN Library has seen continuous feature additions, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. Our work to maintain and enhance the Library is ongoing and requires knowledge of Java, J2EE, JDO, PHP, Flash, HTML, XML, RSS, and CSS.

The current software version of the ECOCEAN Library is 1.5.

Using the web-based interface of the ECOCEAN Library, the general public can:

* Report an encounter through a standardized data collection form
* Search a global database of standardized whale shark encounter data using predefined search criteria New
* Receive automated email updates when encounter reports are assigned to new or previously identified whale sharks
* Receive automated email updates when a reported shark is re-sighted
* Receive RSS feeds of whale shark identifications as they are made
* View all reported encounters
* View all identified sharks
* View individually identified sharks
* View individual encounter reports
* View thumbnail catalogs of submitted images

Researchers with login access to the ECOCEAN Library have access to additional privileges and features. They can:

* Search a global database of identified whale sharks using predefined search criteria
* Edit their entered\assigned encounter data with all changes tracked and permanently logged
* Rely on an individualized security system that prevents data tampering or accidental changes by other uses
* Extract spot patterning from photographs and scan for matches across all patterns in the ECOCEAN Library using two approaches to pattern recognition (I3S and Modified Groth)
* Share computing power among globally distributed machines using the sharkGrid
* View pattern match reports and evaluate matches side-by-side, including direct spot remapping and statistical analysis of results
* Search all photographs in the Library using a photo keyword system
* Search all images\video in the Library using encounter data to create customized albums of images
* Search all encounters and identified sharks in the Library using Google Search
* View photo keyword matches side by side to visually compare photographic features in two images
* Assign encounters to new or existing whale sharks
* View an on-line calendar of whale shark encounter reports
* View sighting locations with satellite imagery incorporated from Google Maps
* Export sighting data as a KML file for use in Google Earth and other mapping applications New
* Generate open and closed capture history files for population modeling in statistical packages, such as U-CARE, CloseTest, and Program MARK
* Rely on daily backups to protect stored data

Administrators of the database can:

* Generate statistical reports
* Review access security logs and track the source of individual logins
* Restore accidentally deleted encounters
* Rely on spam filters to block spurious data submission
* Add/remove keywords for global usage
* Manage the sharkGrid "volunteer computing" facility
* Export encounter data to the OBIS in Excel format New

The development of additional functionality is currently underway.

Additional information:

* ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library Visitor Agreement