Whale Report

Whale Report is an innovative application designed to support the conservation and research efforts concerning marine wildlife, specifically cetaceans—whales, dolphins, porpoises—and sea turtles in the waters of British Columbia (B.C.). By utilizing the app, individuals are presented with the unique opportunity to participate in the collection of critical data that aids in understanding the distribution and frequency of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Users can effectively report sightings through the platform, contributing valuable information directly to conservation-based research. Each reported sighting will be displayed on a personalized map for tracking purposes and may prompt follow-up inquiries to gather additional details. The involvement in this program demonstrates the vital role citizen scientists can play in environmental stewardship.

Moreover, it offers a wealth of knowledge about the diverse species residing in B.C. waters. Individuals can access information on 23 types of cetaceans and four species of sea turtles, peruse Be Whale Wise guidelines to ensure responsible wildlife viewing, and log encounters even when out of mobile reception range. To complement these features, a comprehensive summary of user encounters with marine life is available for review and reflection.

Data contributed through the platform is not publicly disclosed to prevent unintended consequences such as excess vessel traffic and potential disturbances to wildlife in sensitive areas. Academics and professionals interested in using the collected data for research, conservation planning, species recovery, and environmental assessment can request access for their studies.

Whale Report embodies a collaborative effort—uniting conservation-minded individuals and the Sightings Network to safeguard and study B.C.'s marine inhabitants. Participating in this initiative aligns individuals with a wider network of observers, reinforcing the drive to protect ecologically vulnerable species and providing answers to the complex issues they face in a changing environment.