Whale mAPP: mobile and web applications for encouraging citizen science contributions of marine mammal sightings

Traditional methods of gathering the data needed to map marine mammal distributions and assess human impacts on their populations require extensive time and resources. To reduce the burden associated with collecting and... [ view full abstract ]

Traditional methods of gathering the data needed to map marine mammal distributions and assess human impacts on their populations require extensive time and resources. To reduce the burden associated with collecting and managing marine mammal observations, a geographic information system (GIS) solution was developed using a citizen science approach. Whale mAPP is a system of mobile and web applications that provide easy access for the public to submit marine mammal observations and visualize the results on maps. A mobile application utilizes GPS enabled smart phones or tablets to record sightings, automatically track boat path to provide data on effort, and collect photographs which are then transmitted to an online geodatabase that is accessible to researchers and the public. The web application provides users with the ability to visualize and filter sightings and download data in shapefile format. Educational materials on the website include basic biological information on each marine mammal species along with images and illustrations of identification features. To help encourage conservation efforts, threats to marine mammals are discussed and research efforts highlighted with brief stories, interviews, and videos. Curricular materials with conservation themes are designed for middle school students and utilize ESRI ArcGIS Online software to provide experience with applying the scientific method and helping to improve spatial literacy. The additional data collected by citizen scientists using Whale mAPP will help supplement the knowledge of marine mammals to aid in research and management efforts.