The Wildbook for Sharks photo-identification library is a visual database of various shark encounters and of individually catalogued sharks. The library is maintained and used by marine biologists to collect and analyze shark sighting data to learn more about these amazing creatures.The Wildbook 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 shark research, by submitting photos and sighting data. The information you submit will be used in mark-recapture studies to help with the global conservation of these threatened species.
The Wildbook 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 shark research, by submitting photos and sighting data. The information you submit will be used in mark-recapture studies to help with the global conservation of this threatened species.
Each shark has an individual fingerprint, such as the spots behind the gills on the sides of a whale shark or the 1st dorsal fin of a white shark. Get an image or video of their “print” and we can match that pattern to others already in the database, or your shark might be completely new to the database.
You can upload files from your computer. Be sure to enter when and where you saw the shark, and add other information, such as scarring and sex, if you can. You will receive email updates when your animal is processed by a researcher.
When you submit an identification photo, a local researcher receives a notification. This researcher will double check that the information you submitted is correct and add any additional information.
Once a researcher is happy with all the data accompanying the identification photo using pattern matching algorithms. The algorithms are like facial recognition software for animal patterns.
The algorithm (or manual comparison) provides researchers with a ranked selection of possible matches. Researchers will then visually confirm a match to existing sharks of the same species in the database, or create a new individual profile.
22556 identified sharks
116731 reported sightings
10602 citizen scientists
394 researchers and volunteers
“Sharkbook, previously Wildbook for Whale Sharks, has pioneered the way for a new generation of global scale, collaborative wildlife projects that blend citizen science and computer vision to help researchers get bigger and more detailed pictures of some of the world's most mysterious species.” - Jason Holmberg, Information Architect
Learn more about the Researchers and VolunteersIf you are not on site, there are still other ways to get engaged
Donations, including in-kind, large or small, are always welcome. Your support helps the continued development of our project and can support effective, science-based conservation management, and safeguard these sharks and their habitat.
You can make a one time donation or learn about adopting an animal
Sharkbook is maintained and developed by the nonprofit organization Wild Me with significant support and input from the research community. This site is a flagship project of Wild Me's Wildbook and WBIA open source projects. Dr. Simon Pierce provides scientific oversight and guidance.