Digital Knowledge: Sharktivity App

I had a hard time deciding what to research and participate in, but I chose The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Sharktivity App. Yes, a Great White Shark tracker App! My husband is in the Coast Guard and we were transferred to Cape Cod, MA this past summer. I thought about participating in one of the local museums, but I wanted to explore the options and different crowdsourcing some institutions offered. The App was developed by Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Cape Cod National Seashore, and the local officials of all Cape Cod sea towns. The purpose of the App is to raise awareness of the Great White Shark off the coast. The App is managed by safety officials, researchers, and users that report shark sightings (AWSC, n.d.). Users can send in photos of sharks through the App and it can be confirmed by the New England Aquarium in Boston. This is actively engaging the public and crowdsourcing information on sharks along the coast. The App also shows the tagged sharks as well. I believe that this App is meant for those that are interested in conservation, fishing, safety, or just general curiosity.

Unfortunately, we did not see any Great White Sharks today when we went to the beach in Falmouth. This will be a continuous project and when we think we see a shark fin out of the water I will send it in! We often kayak so downloading this App is so helpful to myself and others that love the water. 

Users do not have to create a login when downloading the App. In the Sharktivity App settings users can view instructions, shark safety tips, and support research. There are safety messages relaying that people should not rely on the app to determine if it’s safe to swim and the only way to avoid sharks is to stay on shore (AWSC, n.d.). I think that some people might not stay safe while using this App. Its purpose is to also reduce encounters and peacefully coexist with sharks but I think people might have a different idea and put themselves in danger. It’s best to use this app with caution and since sharks are always on the move to know it will not be at the exact point on the map for long but in the area.

I think that crowdsourcing really enriches communities. Museums and other institutions like The New England Aquarium can really make a difference by gathering this information for the public. I think that users of the App feel a sense of purpose because they are contributing toward something larger. The Division of Marine Fisheries, local officials, Cape Cod National Seashore and The New England Aquarium are clever by using data and photos that people submit to better protect humans and sharks. Crowdsourcing projects like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Sharktivity App continue to benefit the general public.  

Boston 25 News Staff. (2022, May 18). App looks to verify crowdsourced shark sightings off Cape Cod. Cox Media Group.  https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/app-looks-verify-crowdsourced-shark-sightings-off-cape-cod/EOXJHGPIMJGTXJ2A4FGZAGEFY4/ 

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. (n.d.). Meet Sharktivity-Atlantic White Shark Sighting And Resource App. Conserve.io. https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/sharktivity-app