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.
Since its first line of code, the ECOCEAN Library has seen continuous feature additions, bug fixes, and performance enhancements. Two web programmers actively maintain the ECOCEAN Library: Jason Holmberg and Leo Bakx. Their work to maintain and enhance the Library is ongoing and requires knowledge of J2EE, JDO, PHP, VisualBasic .NET, HTML, XML, RSS, and CSS.
The current software version of the ECOCEAN Library is 1.2.
Using the web-based interface of the ECOCEAN Library, the general public can:
- Report an encounter through a standardized data collection form
- 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
Researchers with login access to the ECOCEAN Library have access to additional privileges and features. They can:
- Search a global database of standardized whale shark encounter data using predefined search criteria
- 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)
- 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
- 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
- Rely on a zero loss database system that prevents permanent loss of data
- Rely on daily backups to protect stored data
The development of additional functionality is currently underway.
Additional information:
