Train. Watch. Report. Protect.
Our community scientists provide the longest continuous shore-based monitoring record for Cook Inlet belugas. No experience required — only commitment and curiosity.
Sign Up
Create a free Community Scientist account in under two minutes.
Complete Training
Online modules cover species ID, ethics, and data standards.
Adopt a Site
Choose a monitoring location from Bird Point to Anchor Point.
Log Sightings
Submit observations via web or mobile during your monitoring sessions.
Twelve shore-based stations from Anchorage to Homer.
Each site is staffed by trained volunteers during peak beluga activity windows — typically tied to incoming tides and salmon runs.
Safety guidelines and data standards.
All observations are made from shore at safe distances per NOAA marine mammal viewing guidelines. Drones and watercraft approach are strictly prohibited.
Data collection follows standardized protocols co-developed with NOAA Fisheries. Every sighting is reviewed by a trained coordinator before entering the public dataset.