The potential to reach a common goal and create transparent transboundary conservation measures is vital for any conservation actions with solid protection measures.

It has already been emphasised by many studies that cross-boundary conservation strategies are the strongest tool for the protection of both species and surrounding ecosystems. Therefore, the development of an online data sharing network for the Levantine Sea, an area that is already suffering from lack of dedicated survey efforts, not only increase the collaborations between research institutes, but also encourage the importance of citizen science.With this purpose in mind, DMAD has developed an online data sharing platform for photo-identification, called CETAZOOM (cetazoom.org.tr), and uploaded its entire photo-identification database to the system where any interested parties, including the general public, can download the pictures for their own interest. The website has already received rare species sightings from MMOs, fishermen and tourist boats crew.  This project will create the perfect chance to develop a cross-border online photo-identification network  which will help strengthen the connections between researchers and fishermen.

Photo ID is one of the best ways for researchers to understand a dolphin population, its social structure and migration patterns. You can also join our project by sending us your dolphin photos and help us understanding the dolphins of the Mediterranean Sea for the better. We are looking for high resolution photos that can clearly show the dorsal fin or fluke (tail) of the dolphin, and the other parts with such distinctive markings. Though this is a non-profit research project, all the data will be used for as research and conservation purposes.