Citizen Science

The Alaska Citizen Science Program is a partnership between members of the public and professional scientists. The program provides opportunities for interested individuals to assist wildlife biologists in collecting important data as part of ongoing research projects and conservation planning.  The Citizen Science Program allows individuals, families, community organizations, and school groups — anyone interested in learning more about our local wildlife — a chance to get involved.

Alaska Department of Fish and Game hosts regular online and in-person lectures about wildlife, ecosystems, and ecological advances. The ADFG website is loaded with educational resources for guides who want to expand their knowledge base about Alaska's flora and fauna. Check out their Winter Wildlife Series!

​Who else knows more about changing ocean conditions than those who make their living on the water? By submitting data from the fishing grounds we can better understand, maintain, and protect our fisheries in the face of shifting ecosystems and declines in fisheries health. Data can be used to detect environmental changes, inform fishery management, and push for policy action. Use your expertise to inform the science.

Citizen Science projects that will require meaningful time commitments by a large number of our members or the local community, participation in a training session lead by project researchers, collecting data for the researchers, and getting the opportunity for some amazing wildlife viewing. 

Happywhale engages citizen scientists to identify individual marine mammals, for fun and for science. Help tell the story of these remarkable creatures by submitting your own photos to be used for ID research, tracking, and migration pattern analysis

Guests who participate in our Discover Alaska’s Whales tour play a significant role in gathering scientific data for various educational/research organizations, while at the same time enjoying whale watching as part of an exclusive group. This page outlines their science partners and the engaging tour activities that support their research.