Onboarding
Download the Whale Report app and create an account by entering your name and email address.
If you have previously submitted sightings to Ocean Wise, you have an account with us. Click "reset password" and enter your previously used email address, this will allow you to log in and view all sightings you've submitted.
Click “Next” to save your details (details are not shared outside of Ocean Wise).
Continue setting up your account or click “Skip” to bypass steps.
Setting Your Experience
Select the option that best describes your reason for being on or near the ocean.
Click “Next”.
Setting Your Seasons
This helps adjust observer effort for seasonal animal presence modeling.
Select all seasons when you are often on or near the ocean.
Click “Next”.
Turning on Location Services
Click “Next” and select “Allow while using app” on mobile.
On desktop, ensure location services are turned on.
Enabling Notifications
Click “Next” and then “Allow” on the pop-up (mobile users).
On desktop, enable notifications in your browser settings if not prompted.
What If You Are Out of Reach?
Sightings are saved offline and uploaded once you regain connection.
Click “Next” to complete account setup.
Creating a Report
To submit a sighting report, click on the plus sign or on the web app, Report A Sighting to initiate your submission.
Pin the Approximate Location:
Select a point on the map (ensure it's in the water).
Click "Next".
Direction of Travel:
Choose a direction arrow or "I'm Not Sure".
Date and Time:
Enter the sighting date and time using the date/time bar provided.
Click “Next”.
Species:
Select the species or “I’m Not Sure”.
Click “Next”.
If you select Killer Whale, you may additionally select the ecotype.
Set Your Confidence Level:
Use the scale to indicate the certainty of the species you selected.
Click “Next”.
If you select “I’m Not Sure” indicate how certain you are that you saw a cetacean or sea turtle.
Animal Count:
Enter the exact or appropriate number of animals.
Click "Next".
Sighting Platform:
Select how you observed the animal(s).
Provide additional details if they are known (e.g., vessel name, location description).
Click “Next”.
Report Overview:
Review and edit details using the edit pen icon in the corner of each box.
Add behavior notes, comments, or photos.
Click “Submit”.
General Use of Whale Report
All Sightings
Use this page to view an interactive map of recent whale sightings (24-hour delay for public sightings, real-time for your own sightings).
Use two fingers to zoom (mobile) or +/- buttons (desktop).
Click on points to see sighting information and select “View” to see more specific details.
Filtering:
Adjust the date by clicking on the calendar icon on the right, or the date range box on the web app.
Click on the filter funnel icon to filter your map by relevance (filter by species, confidence, etc.).
Marine Mammal Regulations and Guidelines:
At the bottom of the filter box, toggle Marine Mammal Regulations (MMRs) on/off.
Click on any MMR zones on your map to learn more about each regulated area.
Changing View:
Switch between list view and map view using the bullet point icon, or map icon.
View the map legend by clicking the blue “i” icon.
Click on the refresh button at the top to reload your sightings map.
On mobile, Re-center your location by clicking the target icon.
My Sightings
Use this page to view your submitted recent sightings.
Use the buttons on the screen the same way you would in the All Sightings page. You can filter for a specific date range, filter your sightings by species or confidence, and view in map or list format.
Draft sightings
If you have an unfinished report, you will see it marked as a draft. This means you can go in and continue finishing the sighting report, or you can delete it if you no longer wish to submit. Use the pencil icon to continue editing, or use the red trash icon to delete.
In Queue
If you have submitted a sighting while offline, you will see it in a queued status. When you return online, your sighting will automatically be uploaded, but refresh your sightings page to be sure. Once the Queue label is gone, you know it has been submitted.
Profile Settings
Click your profile image (top-right) to:
Edit personal information.
Adjust notification preferences.
Change password.
Bell Icon (Alerts)
Learn about what Whale Report Alert System (WRAS) is.
Who is eligible to apply: commercial mariners, commercial and government vessels, research and conservation organizations. WRAS is not for personal use or ecotourism activities.
Why WRAS is essential for protecting at-risk marine cetaceans and turtles.
Interested in WRAS? Read the How to Apply for WRAS Access guide.
Resources
Species Guide: View species specific information.
Report Dead and Distressed Animals: Information on regional contacts for reporting a dead or distressed animal.
Threats: Learn about threats like contaminants and vessel disturbance.
FAQ: Read frequently asked questions.
Actions: Discover how to support whale conservation (e.g., adopting a whale).
Downloads: Access PDFs like species identification and entanglement guides.
Reviewing Your Recent Sightings
At the end of your day, week or month, if you wish to review all of your submitted sightings, select the My Sightings page.
Click on the bullet points or map icon to view in list or map format.
Stay up to date with new features Here.
Still have questions? Contact us Here.