the longimanus-project...

... was initiated in fall 2004, about 6 months into my work as a diveguide on live-aboards in the Egyptian Red Sea. After commonly sighting oceanic whitetip sharks on these diving safaris, it became obvious, that their natural markings allow for an easy individual identification (see below).

Originally trained in animal behaviour (specializing on dolphins), photo-identification was a familiar tool for me, used to collect basic data on e.g. population size, site fidelity, and social structure in marine mammals worldwide.

Aim of the Longimanus-Project is the detailed documentation of the occurrence of this shark species in the Egyptian part of the Red Sea, utilizing information that is readily available. In the long run, I hope the accumulation of data will contribute to reasonable, knowledge-based, protection efforts.

In a first phase, I collected digital underwater pictures and video clips between October to December 2004. These photographs were provided by divers, who were guests on board the diving vessels I worked on, and formed the base for the first identification catalogue of oceanic whitetip sharks in Egypt.

methods

The white and/or dark colour patterns on all fins are the primary tools to identify individual oceanic whitetip sharks. Additionally one can use the pigmentation pattern on the belly and the tail stock, as well as the grey-to-white line from the eye to the pectoral fin.


The photograph shows the natural markings useful to individually identify oceanic whitetip sharks; the main feature being the broad, rounded first dorsal fin.

Ideally, both sides of the animals should be documented, since they do not show the same pattern characteristics. The following table shows the fin details of the animal pictured above (506).
dorsal fin
pectoral fin
ventral fin
anal fin
lower tail
upper tail
right
 
left
 

situation today

After another four complete fall and winter seasons (2005/2006, 2006/2007, 2007/2008 & 2008/2009) and about 15.000 photographs later, the identification catalogue at present contains more than 500 different animals. A lot of them were only seen (or: photographed) once, others were around for some period of time. One specific female (506, s.a.) has been photographed every single year since the onset of the study, spanning the six years from 2004 - 2009. Besides two years where she has been sighted off the island of Zabargad and off Abu Hamra [Elphinstone], her favourite "hang-out" is Abu Kizan [Daedalus Reef]...

outlook

Still using blue o two's safari boats, Blue Horizon, Blue Fin & Blue Melody, as the major study platform, the project will continue this year (2009). Ideally, it will involve fitting some of the Oceanics with satellite tags! But the basic photo-identification study continues as well. Besides recent pictures, I am still very interested in including and analysing photographs from former years.

This is where I need your help! The sidebar contains all the information you need to send me your underwater photographs of Oceanic Whitetips Sharks, actually from all over the Red Sea...

THANK YOU!