photo credit Jim Dodd
Why we do this
“The more we learn about these amazing sharks, the better we can support their conservation here and around the world.” ~ Hap Fatzinger, Director of the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher
I want to know more
Machine Learning & Citizen Science & Conservation Research
Photograph a Shark
Every shark has a unique spot pattern on each flank. A photo can be matched to another photo of the same flank. Or your shark may be a new addition to our database.
Submit a photo
You can upload files from your computer, or take them directly from your Flickr or Facebook account. Be sure to enter when and where you saw the shark and add any other information about sex of the shark or visible scars. You will receive email updates when your shark is processed by a researcher or matched in the future.
Researcher verification
After you upload your shark photo, a researcher reviews the information you submitted. Once the spots on your shark are mapped, we can search for matching spot patterns on other sharks. If we don’t find a match, your shark will be given a new, unique ID.
Matching process
Spot patterns on the shark’s flanks are matched using complex algorithms that calculate the distances between spots. The algorithm is like facial recognition software for sharks. This technique is adapted from algorithms that were used to map and recognize.
Match Result
Computer vision provides researchers with a ranked selection of possible shark matches. Researchers will then visually confirm a match to an existing shark in the database, or create a new shark profile. At this stage, you will receive an update email.
