FarSounder has released a new citizen science feature in its latest SonaSoft software update. Building on the company’s existing Data Sharing Program, this release introduces the ability for users to report whale sightings and floating trash/debris—further integrating marine conservation into day-to-day navigation for Argos users.

Since 2019, vessels equipped with FarSounder’s Argos sonars have had the ability to participate in citizen science by contributing to global seabed mapping. Argos users can do this through anonymized sharing of local history map data, aiding initiatives such as Seabed 2030 and the International Hydrographic Organization’s crowd-sourced bathymetry database.

Through a simple pop-up box, users can log observations of whales or trash/debris with a single input. Each sighting is automatically geotagged and time stamped, then it can be securely uploaded and anonymized. FarSounder shares the data with trusted partners, including Whale Alert and Ocean Wise for whale sightings and Eyesea for trash/debris reports. These organizations use the information to identify risk zones, track marine life and address pollution hotspots.

Learn more here.