Your photo is data
One good photograph of a dorsal fin can extend a shark's life story. Here's how to contribute a sighting that science can use.
The sighting portal is on its way
Our online submission platform and public shark catalogue are in development. Until they launch, we welcome sightings by email — every photo helps build the catalogue.
Field guide
Taking an identification-quality photo
01
Side-on, at fin level
Shoot perpendicular to the shark so the first dorsal fin fills the frame edge-on, not angled.
02
Sharp and well lit
The whole fin in focus, with the dark tip and the pigment band below it clearly visible.
03
Note the side
Left and right fin patterns differ. Record which side you photographed — both sides is even better.
04
Avoid glare and spray
Surface reflections and splash can hide the pattern. Slightly underwater or a low angle often works best.
05
Respect the shark
Never chase, corner, feed or touch sharks. A calm shark gives better photos — and better data.
With your photo
What to include
- Date and approximate time of the sighting
- Location — island and site name (GPS if you have it)
- Which side of the shark the photo shows (left / right)
- Your name, as you'd like it credited
- Anything notable — behaviour, injuries, other sharks present
Your photos, your rights
- You keep the copyright to every photo you submit.
- By submitting, you grant Fenua FINdex a licence to use the image and sighting details for research and conservation.
- You can withdraw a submission at any time by emailing us.
- Precise locations of sensitive nursery sites are never published.
What's coming
The full platform will let you upload sightings directly, browse the shark catalogue, and find out which shark you met — including, one day, where and when it was first identified.