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 or debris—further integrating marine conservation into day-to-day navigation for Argos sonar 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 the anonymized sharing of Local History Map (LHM) data, aiding initiatives like Seabed 2030 and the IHO’s crowd-sourced bathymetry database.
Through a simple pop-up box, users can log observations of whales or trash and debris with a single input. Each sighting is automatically geotagged and timestamped, and it can then 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 and debris reports. These organizations use the information to identify risk zones, track marine life, and address pollution hotspots.
This new layer of environmental awareness transforms Argos-equipped vessels into powerful tools for ocean protection, playing an active role in monitoring marine pollution and safeguarding wildlife.
Matthew Zimmerman, CEO of FarSounder, commented, “Our customers are already navigating smarter. Now they’re helping protect the oceans while they do it. This new feature gives mariners a simple way to support important conservation work around the world.”
