Whale Alert Alaska - an Online Approach to Whale Awareness and Protection for Southeastern Alaska

Southeastern Alaska is home to a large number of cetaceans and is a favorite destination for cruise ships and other tourism related traffic. In 2016, GBNP in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and Conserve.IO, launched a pilot... [ view full abstract ]

Southeastern Alaska is home to a large number of cetaceans and is a favorite destination for cruise ships and other tourism related traffic. In 2016, GBNP in partnership with NOAA Fisheries and Conserve.IO, launched a pilot program to provide near real-time whale sighting information derived from the Whale Alert App and other sources to vetted ship captains operating in park waters via a password-protected interactive web map and automated email alerts.  Captains can also download GPX files of recent sightings for use in shipboard navigation systems. The interactive, online map also supports administrative functions so that park personnel can easily add, edit, and moderate sightings. The program was continued for 2017 and has logged a total of hundreds of sightings so far.  In 2018, new capability is being added to include dynamic speed management areas and sightings of seals on ice, both of which are of concern to the cruise industry. We welcome feedback on how our application might help other parks or organizations with similar information outreach needs.