The fin whale, the second largest animal on the planet, is starring in a historic sighting season off the coasts of Dénia and Xàbia. In just one month, volunteers have counted 62 specimens during their migration. The observation campaign, active until August from Torre del Gerro, allows any citizen to participate and report their sightings via WhatsApp. It is an accessible opportunity to see whales near the coast.
Citizen science with mobile coverage on the coast 📱
The initiative relies on basic but effective technological tools. Volunteers receive training to identify fin whales and record data such as swimming direction, behavior, and time. All information is centralized via WhatsApp, where participants send photos and coordinates. This low-cost system allows marine biologists to monitor migration in real-time without the need for expensive equipment. The network of observers, with mobile phones and binoculars, generates valuable data for the conservation of the species.
The fin whale didn't warn you, but you can 🐋
While fin whales go unnoticed by most, volunteers at Torre del Gerro have been craning their necks and holding their phones for a month. That said, the cetaceans do not consult schedules or coordinate with the volunteers. If you have patience and a portable charger, you can join the largest photographic hunt in the Mediterranean. And if you don't see any, you can always report a jellyfish via WhatsApp so you don't feel like you wasted the day.