Whale Report Alert System (WRAS)
Real-time tool for mariners to help prevent whale ship strike and disturbance
About the WRAS
In October 2018, the Ocean Wise Sightings Network (formerly the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network) launched an alert system that broadcasts pertinent details of whale presence to large commercial vessels. Information on whale presence is obtained from real-time observations reported to the Ocean Wise Sightings Network via the WhaleReport app. The alerts inform shipmasters and pilots of cetacean occurrence in their vicinity. This awareness better enables vessels to undertake adaptive mitigation measures, such as slowing down or altering course in the presence of cetaceans, to reduce the risk of collision and disturbance.
How Does the WRAS Work?
Whale presence information is obtained from real-time observations, sent in by trusted observers using the BC Cetacean Sightings Network’s existing WhaleReport app. Access to the WRAS is only granted to the operators of ships, tugs, and ferries and is not available for public use.
Two Ways Ship Crew are Alerted
Ship crews are alerted to whales in two ways: 1) Pilots and shipmasters receive text alerts via the WRAS app when within 10 nautical miles of reported whale locations. Alerts expire based on the species sighted. 2) Vessel operations centers use a desktop map interface to relay whale reports to fleet ships, especially useful in areas with limited cellphone coverage or when mobile device use is restricted.
Why is the WRAS Needed?
There is an urgent need to protect British Columbia’s vulnerable cetacean (whale, dolphin, and porpoise) populations. Impacted by anthropogenic threats, including ship strikes, vessel noise, and disturbance, 12 of the 23 species of cetaceans found in B.C. are currently listed as “At Risk” under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Involved
Commercial Mariners (marine pilots, shipmasters, and operations centre staff) can help!
Access to the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS) is available to those directly involved in maritime operations, including commercial and government vessels, representatives of Indigenous governments or communities, as well as research and conservation organizations. If you belong to any of the above, please request access to the WRAS through the Whale Report App or on our desktop app.
Data Providers
Acartia.io
Ocean Wise has partnered with Acartia.io data cooperative to provide increased marine mammal detections into the WhaleReport Alert System, particularily in Washington State. Acartia is a decentralized data cooperative for sharing marine animal locations within the Salish Sea. It is named for one of the smallest animals in Puget Sound - microscopic copepods - but was built to recover one of the biggest - the endangered Southern Resident killer whales.
Acartia.io
Orca Network
Orca Network is dedicated to raising awareness about the whales of the Pacific Northwest, the importance of providing them with healthy and safe habitat, and finding ways for people to work together to protect the rich, beautiful, and diverse Salish Sea. Orca Network provides data into the WhaleReport Alert System via Acartia.io.
orcanetwork.org
Conserve.io
Conserve.io is bringing conservation into the 21st century by deploying a mix of mobile, web and crowdsourcing technology to simplify and scale the collection of conservation data and to make that data more actionable. Conserve.io provides data into the WhaleReport Alert System via Acartia.io.
conserve.io
Beam Reach
Beam Reach catalyzes marine conservation wherever endangered salmon-eating orcas roam — from northern California to southeast Alaska. Based in Seattle, we are bioacoustic experts who create innovative technological solutions with our non-profit, government, and industry partners to help save the whales. Beam Reach provides data into the WhaleReport Alert System via Acartia.io.
beamreach.blue
Whale Alert
The Whale Alert app was launched in 2012 as a citizen science tool aimed at reducing the risk of vessel strikes. It empowers users to report whale sightings via an accessible interface, and informs users of speed zones, warnings, and other measures to reduce vessel speeds and reduce risks to whales and mariners.
whalealert.org
SMRU Consulting
SMRU Consulting is a global leader in marine mammal consulting and research, delivering innovative, robust and environmentally sound solutions to clients active in the marine environment. They have extensive experience in carrying out research into many facets of marine mammal biology, including acoustic analyses.
smruconsulting.com
Jasco Applied Sciences
JASCO Applied Sciences provides consulting and research services for assessing and mitigating underwater noise. Since its origin in 1981, JASCO has been developing and implementing acoustic technologies ranging from advanced acoustic recorder design to complex acoustic and behavioural modelling algorithms to comprehensive field monitoring and data analysis, including acoustic detection of marine mammals and human sources.
jasco.com
