Sevengill Shark Identification Protocol

Authors

Michael Bear, Barbara Lloyd

Summary

Summary

This is a long-term (5-10 year) long population dynamics study which will endeavor to establish a baseline study of Sevengill sharks in the San Diego area, using the methodology described above. We also have PI (Principle Investigator) for the project, to supervise the scientific work, and once the data has been properly vetted. we hope to publish in peer review before 2022.

Introduction

Although this is an all-volunteer, citizen science project, we want to keep the methodology as scientifically current and accurate as possible, while still keeping within the scope and means of a citizen science project. So, here is a summary of the databases and methods used in this long-term (5-10 year) populations dynamics study of the Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus).Note: We are not set up for shark tagging, which is both expensive as well as labor intensive and usually requires boats, crew and an affiliation with a marine research institution and grant money to operate.1. Database #1: Photographic Database: we have over 200 photographs, of varying quality, from poor to outstanding, taken over the past 7 years by local divers of Sevengills in the San Diego area. It is the best of these photographs we plan to run through the pattern recognition algorithm to identify individual Sevengill sharks through the freckling pattern commonly seen on their front and dorsal sides, much as biologist Brad Norman did a few years ago to identify individual Whale sharks via the star-like patterns on their dorsal sides.2. Database #2: Video Database: the video database of over 70, mostly high definition, high quality videos, also taken be local divers, will be used also, to aid in determining gender and behavioral patterns observed, as well as bite marks and scratches, etc. They also will be subjected to the pattern recognition algorithm.3. Pattern Recognition Algorithm: we are currently using Wildbook, which uses two sophisticated pattern recognition algorithms, IS3 and Modified Groth (1), similar to the one used by Brad Norman to identify the star patterns on Whale Sharks (2) (3) to identify individual Sevengill sharks via the unique freckling pattern that can be seen on their front and dorsal sides. In this way, we will hope, over time, to identify which sharks are returning from year to year.1) Wildbook Overview: http://www.wildbook.org/doku.php?id=documentation#overview2) Original Whale Shark ID Project: http://whaleshark.org/

Materials

1. Underwater camera

2. Access to 'Wildbook' software program [see link below]

Procedure

1. Diver enters the water and documents [safely] any random encounter he or she may have with this species using an underwater camera--hopefully, getting a lateral view of the head, showing the freckling pattern near the gill area, which is subject to the pattern recognition algorithms contained in 'Wildbook.'

Anticipated results

To be able to identify sharks returning from year-to-year in San Diego and Cape Town areas [False Bay]

References

http://www.wildbook.org/doku.php

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