October 2009 updates

The following fixes, changes, and features were added in October:

* A new Alternate ID field was added for encounters and sharks. This allows project specific identifiers to be assigned to sightings and identified individuals. For example, satellite tag numbers or local database names can be used. This feature was requested by the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS).

*Incorporated Alternate IDs into the Encounter Search and Shark Search features.

*Modified the main page of whaleshark.org to use a single "Find Record" field that allows users and visitors to jump to a shark or encounter via its name, number, alternate ID, or nickname.

*Added a new field to encounters: "Inform others". This field allows submitters and researchers to record other email addresses that should be notified with resighting and status information.