Dolphin & Whale 911

Functionality & Mechanism

This citizen science and rapid-response tool from NOAA Fisheries streamlines the process of reporting stranded or distressed marine mammals. The application connects users directly to the nearest authorized stranding response hotline, leveraging a smartphone's GPS to transmit time-stamped photos and location coordinates to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. It also integrates an electronic field guide to support species identification and provides a reference tool with safety guidelines for approaching animals in distress.

Development & Context

• NOAA Fisheries developed the app to address a key conservation challenge: public unawareness of how to contact the proper authorities for marine mammal strandings.
• The news coverage highlights that reporting delays can compromise an animal's chance of survival and limit the scientific data gathered from deceased specimens.
• By providing a centralized reporting tool and species guide, the app facilitates public contribution to marine mammal conservation efforts across U.S. coastal regions.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is designed for the general public, including boaters, beachgoers, and coastal residents in the United States and its territories. It functions as a direct reporting utility, not a comprehensive scientific database. The information is intended to support immediate reporting and public education; its description is based on developer materials and news coverage, not peer-reviewed research.