Background

This project focuses on developing I³S Pattern (I³S stands for Interactive Intelligent Identification System, a tool to support researchers in their conservation activities. As such the project proposed in this document is not targeted on a specific species. Development will initially take place on a turtle photo database, however, broader application will always be one of the main goals. During development we will therefore also work with a database of at least one other species (e.g. humpback whales) in this way ensuring a generically applicable product.

Many species, including many marine turtles are endangered. The tool to be developed will support the researchers involved in their conservation activities. We asked various researchers who will benefit from the tool the following question: “Do you think there is a demand for a photo-identification tool [targeted to animals with specific dark/light patterns]?” The answers were: “Yes.” (Marine Conservation Society Seychelles), “Absolutely.” (Pacific Whale Foundation), “Yes, no doubt about it!” (HEPCA).

I³S already helps marine researchers all over the world in their conservational research on a daily basis for free. This project will simply help us to do this for more species and more researchers.

Aims and Objectives

The objectives of this project are as follows:

• Development of an I3S tool for animals with dark/light patterns, initially for but certainly not limited to turtles.
• Development of a recognition strategy and algorithm based on broadly applicable features which are used for recognition.
• Design of a user interaction scenario which is simple, fast and does not allow much or any training.
• Professional implementation of the software, including a manual and tutorial videos.
• Validation of the system on two separate data sets.