Why we do this
We aim to use the power of community science to learn more about and better appreciate this iconic California species.
I want to know more
Machine Learning & Citizen Science & Conservation Research
Photograph a Giant Sea Bass
Every giant sea bass has a unique spot pattern. A photo of an individual's side can be matched to another photo of the same side. Or your giant sea bass may be a new addition to our database.
See the photography guide
Submit a photo
You can upload files from your computer or smartphone. Be sure to enter when and where you saw the giant sea bass and add any other information where possible, such as behavior or life stage. You will receive email updates when your giant sea bass is processed by a researcher or matched in the future.
Researcher verification
When you submit a giant sea bass identification photo, a local researcher receives a notification. This researcher will double-check the information you have submitted. After this, your photo is available for match searches.
Matching process
Once a researcher is happy with all the data accompanying the identification photo, they will run the matching algorithm. The algorithm is like facial recognition software for giant sea bass sides.
Matching Results
The algorithm provides researchers with a ranked selection of possible giant sea bass matches. Researchers will then visually confirm a match to an existing giant sea bass in the database, or create a new giant sea bass profile. At this stage, you will receive an update email.
