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Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

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Calling all Citizen Scientists!

Do you enjoy taking photos of wildlife? Are you interested in contributing to dolphin research? ÌÇÐÄVlog Harbor Branch invites you to participate in our new land-based Dolphin Spotter citizen science project.

Photo identification is a non-invasive, opportunistic technique that is used to collect information about wild dolphin populations. Photos submitted by Dolphin Spotters will complement the research being conducted by the ÌÇÐÄVlog Harbor BranchÌýMarine Mammal Stranding and Population AssessmentÌýteam. With thousands of miles along Florida’s coastline, land-based citizen scientists can capture areas that our traditional surveys don’t reach, while providing valuable insights on the day-to-day habitat use and behaviors of our resident dolphin populations. Together these efforts play a critical role in understanding Florida’s wild dolphins and conserving this important species.

How to Participate:

1. Register Ìý
2. Download the WatchSpotter App on your mobile device.
3. From land, take photos of dolphins with your personal camera or cellphone.
4. Submit your photos through the WatchSpotter App or map below. Project code and app information will be provided through email after registration.
5. Check out the interactive map below to see where dolphin sightings are being reported!

Watch the tutorial video below to learn more about this project.

Note: This video is a required step for participation and will be included on theÌý

Dolphin Spotter Registration Video

For questions about the Dolphin Spotter project please contact the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center by calling 772-242-2293.

Would members of your club or organization like to participate in this project?ÌýClick here to request a presentation and tutorial for your group.

Dolphin Spotter Sightings:

Explore the map below to learn more about the data collected by Dolphin Spotter citizen scientists. Sign-in/Register to the map below (after registering to the program – see above) to submit your sightings or use the WatchSpotter App! Please note that each submission is reviewed before it is posted on the map.

This project was supported by the Protect Wild Dolphins Florida specialty license plate, which is administered by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation.