IFAW

Whale Alert is the world's largest whale protection network dedicated to safeguarding marine mammals from vessel strikes, which pose a significant threat to their survival. Launched in 2012, Whale Alert operates a citizen science app designed for mariners, researchers, and whale watchers to report whale sightings in real time. This crucial data helps establish speed zones and alerts to protect endangered species such as the North Atlantic right whale, critically endangered with fewer than 360 individuals remaining.

The app features a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily report sightings, upload images, and access a whale identification guide. Additionally, it includes features for mariners, utilizing GPS technology to alert users when they enter active management zones. With partnerships alongside various regulatory agencies like NOAA, Whale Alert contributes to dynamic management strategies, thereby enhancing the protection of whales and reducing vessel collisions. By empowering the public to participate, Whale Alert fosters a collaborative approach to marine conservation, ensuring the safety of these magnificent creatures in our oceans.