Access to the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS) is available to those directly involved in maritime operations, including commercial and government vessels, research and conservation organizations, as well as representatives of Indigenous governments or communities.
Note: WRAS is not available for personal use or ecotourism organizations to avoid encouraging additional traffic around whales.
Applying for WRAS Access
Navigate to the “Alert” page in the Whale Report app.
Click “Request Access” to apply for WRAS.
Your request will be assessed by the WRAS Program Team within two business days.
If approved, you will receive an email to authorize your mariner account.
Follow the link in the email to authorize your account status.
Onboarding as a Mariner
Open the app and log in with your credentials (name and email address).
Click “Next” to save your details (kept private within 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 (on mobile).
On desktop, enable notifications in your browser settings if not prompted.
Receiving SMS Alerts
Enter your phone number to receive text alerts.
Click “Receive SMS”.
Enter the verification code sent via SMS.
Click “Next”.
What If You Are Out of Reach?
Sightings are saved offline and uploaded once you regain connection.
Click “Next” to complete account setup.
For more information on using the app as a mariner, see the WRAS User Guide.