WhaleReport
Welcome to B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network’s WhaleReport app! Help the Sightings Network gather data on the occurrence and distribution of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and sea turtles in B.C. waters. If you see a cetacean or sea turtle in B.C. waters, use the WhaleReport App to report what you see and directly contribute to important conservation-based research. Once submitted, your sightings will appear on your personalized map in the ‘Map’ tab. Your report will be reviewed by the Sightings Network team and you may be contacted with follow-up questions. The Sightings Network appreciates your contributions and looks forward to receiving your sightings! Use the WhaleReport app to: • Learn more about the 23 species of cetacean and four species of sea turtles that inhabit B.C. waters • View the Be Whale Wise guidelines for responsible marine wildlife viewing • Record sightings when out of mobile reception range • Track and observe sightings you’ve submitted via a personalized sightings summary About the Sightings Network The B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network is a research and conservation program of the Vancouver Aquarium in collaboration with the Cetacean Research Program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada. The Sightings Network is a network of thousands of observers across British Columbia who report their sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises and sea turtles. Anyone can be an observer and every report improves our understanding of the distribution and occurrence of cetaceans and sea turtles in B.C. waters. There are 12 species or populations of cetaceans and sea turtles native to British Columbia listed under the Species at Risk Act. These species face many threats from human activity such as entanglement in fishing gear, disturbance by vessels, and accumulation of pollutants. Learn more about cetaceans, sea turtles and their conservation at www.wildwhales.org. How Sightings Network Data is Used The data collected are used in conservation and research-based projects to better understand and protect cetacean and sea turtles in B.C. waters. Sightings are not made available to the public so as to avoid advertising cetacean and sea turtles hot spots and contributing to vessel disturbance to cetaceans and sea turtles in these areas. Data can be requested for use in academic research, conservation assessment and planning, species recovery planning including critical habitat determination, and environmental impact assessment, evaluation and mitigation. This app was made possible through the generous support of Mountain Equipment Co-op, BG Group, and the Government of Canada. This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Department of the Environment. The British Columbia Cetacean Sightings Network is a collaboration between the Vancouver Aquarium and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.Recent Changes
Fix minor issue
Emilie Desrochers
Very easy interface for a tool that will help with marine life research. The other poor reviews are complaining about the reports not being available to the public, but they seem to forget the negative effects of the public trying to find whales. Researchers need this information, the public does not.
T K
Attempts to report sightings of a few right whales. Says they don't cover my area, after I signed up and went through the entire process to assist researchers.
Erik Rhyne
What am I missing? Only allows you to see your own reports. As a manager overseeing a number of boats on the sound, thought this was going to be a great tool to help me keep our members aware of potential whales in the area so that they can be aware. If I'm unable to see where they are, what's the point. :/
Rhonda Hastings
Very poor app. No maps and guides to show current location.
A Google user
Poor interface. Couldn't see where others had reported and couldn't figure out how to report sighting
A Google user
App offers nothing more than a drop down form. No way to see any reported whale info.
Pauly
Deleted it straight after downloading it, it asks for too much personal information what a joke zero respect of privacy
A Google user
Really useful to have reliable source of information readily at hand. Easy to submit sightings and good to know the info you submit is being used for actual conservation science.
A Google user
Great to have an app based reporting tool. Having the information about each species is also great.
A Google user
This app is very good.
Kaveen Gimhana
Good app