FarSounder is excited to announce the release of a new citizen science feature in its latest SonaSoft™ software update. Building on its existing Data Sharing Program, this release introduces the ability for users to report whale sightings and floating trash/debris—further integrating marine conservation into day-to-day navigation for Argos 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 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/debris with a single input. Each sighting is automatically geotagged and timestamped, then it can 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/debris reports. These organizations use the information to identify risk zones, track marine life, and address pollution hotspots.
“Our customers are already navigating smarter. Now they’re helping protect the oceans while they do it,” said Matthew Zimmerman, CEO of FarSounder. “This new feature gives mariners a simple way to support important conservation work around the world.”
This new layer of environmental awareness transforms Argos-equipped vessels into powerful tools for ocean protection. It reflects a broader vision at FarSounder: harnessing advanced navigation technologies not just for safety, but for sustainability. Now, with this latest update, those same vessels can play an active role in monitoring marine pollution and protecting wildlife.
From day one, environmental stewardship has been at the heart of FarSounder’s innovation. By helping vessels navigate more safely and responsibly, FarSounder’s technology has supported marine conservation efforts across the globe. Today, that same commitment drives new features—like citizen science reporting—that turn every voyage into an opportunity to protect our oceans.
At FarSounder, we believe in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the exploration of the world’s oceans and waterways. We do this by developing innovative products that do more than just help vessels get safely from point A to point B. We make a difference by being environmentally conscious by creating products that reduce the impact on the ecosystem.
For over 20 years, we have dedicated ourselves to tackling new ideas and developing 3D Forward Looking Navigation Sonar technology (3D FLS). Our unique patented technology paints a clear picture of what lies ahead underwater and along the bottom, reducing the likelihood of collisions, which in turn prevents costly damage to property, the environment, and marine and human lives alike.
Our navigation systems are globally recognized. The Argos 1000, Argos 500, and Argos 350 are able to provide customers with a whole suite of sophisticated navigation capabilities of interest to many types of vessels. Wherever you decide to go, FarSounder will help get you there safely.
The Whale Alert app was launched in 2012 as a citizen science tool aimed at reducing the risk of vessel strikes. The app uses whale presence data including verified sightings, acoustic detections from buoys and gliders, AI and other autonomous systems, and aerial surveys to display a user-friendly map based on nautical charts from country-specific government agencies. Whale Alert also includes region specific marine mammal approach guidelines and mandatory and voluntary vessel measures.
Mariners, scientists, recreational boaters, and beachgoers alike can use their personal devices to easily share whale sightings with the Whale Alert team, who then verify the information before posting it to the map in near-real time. Through its expanding partner base, Whale Alert data is now available directly on marine navigation and planning systems.
About Eyesea
Eyesea is a maritime industry-backed non-profit organization dedicated to mapping and supporting the recovery of global ocean and coastal pollution. By leveraging technology and crowdsourced data from seafarers, maritime professionals, and coastal communities, Eyesea aims to create a visual understanding of marine pollution to support clean-up efforts, raise awareness, and inform environmental policy. In addition to mapping technology, Eyesea actively supports data-driven pollution recovery initiatives. Through collaboration across the maritime sector, Eyesea is working to protect the world’s oceans—one data point at a time.
