Making Citizen Science Data Actionable: Leveraging Mobile Technology To Inform Mariner Situational Awareness: Connecting Managers and Maritime Industry

Scientists, resource managers, and conservationists face an ever-present challenge of collecting substantial data of sufficient rigor that it can be used to inform management. Mobile apps offer a unique opportunity to... [ view full abstract ]

Scientists, resource managers, and conservationists face an ever-present challenge of collecting substantial data of sufficient rigor that it can be used to inform management. Mobile apps offer a unique opportunity to leverage everyday citizens to collect important ecosystem information while providing managers the opportunity to disseminate management information via the same app to improve situational awareness of regulations and potential hazards in near real-time.  The Whale Alert app and effort-based companion Spotter Pro have been in active use since 2015. Focused specifically on North American Cetaceans, the platform has undergone numerous iterations to make it more responsive to both the public and management user groups. Based on these lessons learned, a new tool combines citizen science with dynamic ocean management.  Known as Ocean Alert, this tool is under development to expand the concept of two-way communication between managers, industry, and the public via a singular app that covers a extensive set of marine megafauna, navigation hazards, and other areas of concern. Using ‘smart’ forms, Ocean Alert will self-configure to a user’s location and interests for reporting citizen sightings as well as displaying overlays with associated restrictions of permanent and dynamic management areas.  Ocean Alert will also directly support effort-based surveys by more savvy users. To ensure maximum data value, Ocean Alert will automatically connect sightings to existing scientific networks that conduct photo ID. After validation, sightings are archived in a central standards-based repositories, such as OBIS enabling long term use in environmental impact assessment.