Marine Mammal Identification

Citizen Science Database

The goal of this project is to help us improve our knowledge of marine mammals in the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, which will support more informed research and conservation efforts. The Ocean Glider Lab at the University of the Virgin Islands is collecting acoustic data on marine mammals in the USVI and Puerto Rico, and is supporting those studies through other means of collecting baseline information about the regional marine mammals (whales and dolphins). YOU, as a citizen scientist, can contribute to this database to help improve our knowledge of these vital animals, which are severely understudied in the region.

Accessing the Database

Below you'll find a step-by-step instructions guide to access our database on your mobile device.

If you would like to access our database on your computer, click here and follow the steps below. The process is similar on your computer.

Step 1: Make a FREE account

Download the FREE app, available on iPhone, Google, and Android.

Here are the associated links:

Then, select "Register" to create a free account.

Step 2: Select the "Projects" Tab

Once you have registered and entered the app, you will see four tabs at the bottom of your screen. Select the "Projects" tab.

Step 3: Search for Our Database

The "Projects" tab takes you to a search menu. In the search bar at the top of your screen, begin typing "Marine Mammal Identification for the USVI and Puerto Rico." As shown in the picture on the left, you likely only need to type in "Marine" and you will see our database appear. Look for our official logo with an underwater glider on it as well. Select our database once it appears.

Step 4: Join Our Database!

Once you have entered our database page, you will see a "Join" button. Select this button to officially join our project. When navigating our database any time after joining, you should be able to more quickly get to our database page by simply opening the app, which begins in the "Home" tab, and scrolling down to the "Projects I've Joined" section.

Step 5: Make a New Observation

You are now ready to make your first observation! All you need to do is select "+ New Observation". You can enter your observations at any time. Field with a "*" symbol are required, and the rest are optional. Please fill out as much information as you can.

*Note: When using the map to select a location for the observation, you can tap on the map and move the dot to find your approximate location, select the "Geolocate" button to use your exact location, or input exact coordinates if using the computer version of the database.

Step 6: Save Your Observation

Once you have completed entering your observation information, select the "Save" button at the bottom of your screen. You are all set!