Ocean Sanctuaries has installed the pattern recognition software, known as 'Wildbook,' in order to begin the process of analyzing their database of over 100 videos and photographs of localSevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) , to determine which ones may be returning to San Diego from year to year, to establish baseline, as part of a long-term, population dynamics study, as a springboard for further research for this species.

Support for ocean-related citizen science projects is part of the stated mission of Ocean Sanctuaries, see: oceansanctuaries.org/ for more information.

According to the IUCN Red List, this species of shark is listed as 'Data Deficient,' hence worthy of further study.

To see how Wildbook has been used successfully to identify WhaleSharks, see here: www.whaleshark.org

See here for more information on the scientific methodology being used:

http://sevengillsharksightings.org/our-methodology-introduction/