Marine Defenders app is a tool for reporting oil pollution, marine debris and bilogical events
The American Littoral Society has unveiled a new smart phone app that empowers citizens to report pollution, algae blooms and biological events such as fish kills in coastal waters.
The “Marine Defenders” project was first released in July 2012 and was originally conceived and developed for reporting oil spills.The American Littoral Society expanded the app to allow reporting on a broader variety of pressing issues of concern along the coast, including: algal blooms, jellyfish occurrences; fish kills and endangered injured wildlife; and marine debris.
Helen Henderson, Atlantic Coast Program Manager for the Society said, “Our bays and coastal waters are facing a multitude of threats. We are putting this tool into the hands of thousands of people who will be eyes on the water, helping to protect and restore our bays and coast. Oil spills, algae blooms and fish kills need to be identified quickly and responded to. This tool will empower the public to both identify the problems and be part of seeking a solution.”
The Marine Defenders app is an efficient easy-to-use tool for mariners, both professional and casual, to document and report marine oil spills, marine debris and significant biological impacts.
The marine defenders project includes a short educational video about the extent and impact of oil pollution for mariners. The video is being used worldwide by industry professionals for environmental training and is now part of the curriculum at the SUNY Maritime Academy and has been used by the USCG as part of the training for enforcement officers.
The American Littoral Society expanded the app this year to respond to pollution problems being observed in regional waters, in addition to oil spills.
