WhaleAlert is a global citizen science and maritime safety initiative led by International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to reduce vessel strikes — one of the leading causes of whale mortality worldwide. As ocean traffic increases, critical whale habitats increasingly overlap with busy shipping lanes, putting many species at risk.
The WhaleAlert app integrates verified public sightings, acoustic detections, aerial surveys, and official regulatory data into a real-time, map-based alert system. Mariners receive visual and auditory notifications when entering management zones or areas with recent whale activity, helping them slow down and navigate more safely.
The initiative supports conservation of vulnerable species including the North Atlantic right whale, Humpback whale, Fin whale, Sperm whale, and Pilot whale.
By empowering recreational boaters, commercial mariners, researchers, and coastal observers to contribute sightings, WhaleAlert strengthens scientific datasets, improves dynamic management measures, and helps protect both whales and maritime communities.
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