bigifsh Overview

The  bigfish  project aims to record sightings, set up an image database, and to increase public awareness of large migratory sharks and ray species found around New Zealand, through research and education.  Very little information currently exists on these species.  Researchers need public support to determine the distribution and behaviour of these species. The  bigfish  website has been set up to enable observers to send us their own observations and images. It will provide info about each species, research aims, and methods.

Objectives
The objectives of the  bigfish  project are simple:

• To determine where whale sharks, basking sharks, white pointers and mobulid rays are found in New Zealand, and where they originate from,
• To determine their distribution and abundance in New Zealand,
• To investigate where they go when they leave New Zealand.

Sightings
We are in the process of establishing an active sighting network, centred around this web site, and a New Zealand photo-ID image bank. When possible, we will collect small samples for DNA analysis.

Photo ID's
These species can be individually identified from their unique colour patterns and scars. Data from sightings and photo ID's will enable us to build up a better picture of where these species occur locally, and where they are most common. Over time, the image bank will show us which individuals visit New Zealand regularly.

Satellite tagging
As finances permit, we intend to employ satellite tagging. Satellite tagging will provide information on the movements of  individuals around New Zealand, and where they go when they disappear around the end of summer.