Local ocean users are increasingly at risk of losing their cherished ocean spaces as governments and businesses push to tap into the perceived untapped wealth of the so-called Ocean Economy. Therefore, this June — in celebration of World Oceans Day — we’re leading the world’s first "Ocean Snapshot" project to make the first map of the ocean from an ocean explorer's perspective. To participate, log your ocean activities and observations in the eOceans® app while you explore. Join us today!
The“Ocean Snapshot” – in celebration of World Oceans Day!
Introducing the Ocean Snapshot project, a groundbreaking initiative on the eOceans® app and platform, offering individuals a chance to make a lasting impact on our beloved ocean.
Our ambitious goal is to unite one million passionate people in June, from all corners of the world's oceans and coastlines, to contribute a minimum of five observations each. These logs capture your activities as well as your observations of others.
The more detailed, the better. Clustered observations within the same hour reveal patterns of space utilization, shedding light on who may be using those areas. However, observations spanning different times of day and days of the week provide a comprehensive understanding of variations and the ocean's dynamics in that space. Thus, logging more observations enhances our collective understanding of the ocean's needs.
What better way to celebrate World Oceans Day?
Each submitted log represents a unique fragment of our shared narrative with the ocean. As these fragments intertwine, they weave a story that reflects our present-day appreciation and value for the ocean. Through repeated collaboration year after year, we can comprehend the evolving nature of our relationship with the ocean and witness the positive changes we foster.
An invitation to all.
No matter how you connect with the ocean—whether it's solitary walks along the shore, riding waves with a small crew, or exploring the depths through diving—your voice and observations are incredibly valuable.
Surfers play a pivotal role as key stakeholders in the ocean, bringing their passion and persuasive voice to advocate for ocean protection and restoration — surfing spaces should not be undervalued for communities. Photo: Johny Goerend, Unsplash
We invite you to join us this June 2023 and use the user-friendly eOceans app to log your observations. Together, we will create the world's FIRST comprehensive map, showcasing human activities and the deep significance we hold for the ocean.
Let's embark on this transformative journey, where our combined efforts will chart a brighter future for our magnificent oceans.
We’ve done this before.
Since 2010, we have been at the forefront of crowdsourced and participatory science projects worldwide.
Through these endeavors, we have amassed millions of ocean observations, enabling us to study endangered species populations, identify threats, inform policies, and advance our understanding of the ocean and our relationship with it. The outcomes of these projects have been published in numerous peer-reviewed scientific journals and have played a vital role in shaping protective measures for species, habitats, and communities (see our IMPACT page for details).
Today marks a significant milestone as we transition from manual data collection and analysis methods to the revolutionary eOceans® mobile app and platform. With this new tool, we are thrilled to guide you through this transformative project, providing real-time access to the results. Now, you can actively participate and witness the impact as it unfolds, just as weI do.
This exciting journey of data collection, sharing, analysis, and dissemination, and leveraging the power of technology to make a lasting difference in ocean science and conservation.
Creating a map of the ocean’s social value is important
Mapping the social value of the ocean through projects like "Ocean Snapshot" is crucial.
It deepens our understanding of the ocean's significance in our daily lives as a vital resource that provides food, livelihoods, recreation, and cultural connections. This mapping reveals the diverse ways people engage with the ocean, transcending sectors and recognizing activities like coastal walks, beach cleanups, and marine research.
It also informs decision-making, policy development, and conservation strategies by providing comprehensive data on human activities and values. Additionally, it fosters community engagement, empowering individuals to contribute and take responsibility for ocean well-being.
Regular mapping establishes a baseline for monitoring and evaluating changes, identifying trends, and adapting strategies to address emerging challenges. That’s why we intend to do this year after year, aligning with World Oceans Day.
Purpose-built technology to scale our cumulative impact
The “Ocean Snapshot” project is using the eOceans® app to collect all ocean observations.
eOceans® is a purpose-built platform designed to revolutionize your ocean exploration journey. The mobile app enables ocean enthusiasts to track their activities and log observations, expand their knowledge of the ocean, and stay updated with real-time trend tracking through expert-developed analytics and display.
In the Ocean Snapshot project, we harness the capabilities of the eOceans app to gather comprehensive ocean observations. By using eOceans, you retain full ownership of your data and enjoy the convenience of contributing effortlessly to the Ocean Snapshot project while seamlessly sharing with other projects of your choice.
No internet connection? No problem! Our app functions offline, allowing you to make observations anywhere in the world during any ocean activity—whether you're diving into the depths, snorkeling amidst coral reefs, casting your line while fishing, riding the waves on a surfboard, gracefully sailing, enjoying a serene beach walk, embarking on a SUP adventure, or even hopping on a ferry. Helping you to track your activities is important to us, so please inform us if your preferred activity is missing from the list, and we will ensure it gets included.
Discover the empowering capabilities of the eOceans app and become an invaluable contributor to the Ocean Snapshot project. Together, let's unveil the secrets of the ocean and pave the way for a future that celebrates its magnificence.
Be an Ocean hero — Easy as 1-2-3
If you see the ocean this June, for any purpose, please make at least 5 logs per day in the eOceans app to make a difference for the future of our ocean! It’s free and simple to participate. Follow these 3 simple steps:
Download the eOceans mobile app on Android or iOS and create an account.
Use the (+) icon to log your activities & observations, and make sure your data upload to the cloud.
Visit the “Ocean Snapshot” project to see the results.