FarSounder adds whale and trash report feature

FarSounder is excited to announce the release of a new Citizen Science feature in its latest SonaSoft™ software update. Building on its existing Data Sharing Program, this release introduces the ability for users to report whale sightings and floating trash/debris — further integrating marine conservation into day-to-day navigation for Argos users.

Since 2019, vessels equipped with FarSounder’s Argos sonars have had the ability to participate in Citizen Science by contributing to global seabed mapping. Argos users can do this through anonymized sharing of Local History Map (LHM) data, aiding initiatives like Seabed 2030 and the IHO’s crowd-sourced bathymetry database.

Through a simple pop-up box, users can log observations of whales or trash/debris with a single input. Each sighting is automatically geotagged and timestamped, then it can be securely uploaded and anonymized. FarSounder shares the data with trusted partners, including Whale Alert and Ocean Wise for whale sightings, and Eyesea for trash/debris reports. These organizations use the information to identify risk zones, track marine life, and address pollution hotspots.

“Our customers are already navigating smarter. Now they’re helping protect the oceans while they do it,” said Matthew Zimmerman, CEO of FarSounder. “This new feature gives mariners a simple way to support important conservation work around the world.”

This new layer of environmental awareness transforms Argos-equipped vessels into powerful tools for ocean protection. It reflects a broader vision at FarSounder: harnessing advanced navigation technologies not just for safety, but for sustainability. Now, with this latest update, those same vessels can play an active role in monitoring marine pollution and protecting wildlife.

From day one, environmental stewardship has been at the heart of FarSounder’s innovation. By helping vessels navigate more safely and responsibly, FarSounder’s technology has supported marine conservation efforts across the globe. Today, that same commitment drives new features—like Citizen Science reporting—that turn every voyage into an opportunity to protect our oceans.

FarSounder’s patented technology is based on a combination of advanced acoustics and signal-processing techniques that provides a wide field of view (up to 60 degrees at 1,000 meters) and up to eight times the current water depth (detecting the seabed up to 160 meters away at a 20-meter depth).

Forward-looking 3D sonar technology gives the captain several key advantages to navigational safety. Besides detecting obstacle and hazards ahead, the system complements chart data by mapping the seafloor of objects that may not show on a chart, especially in remote or less-surveyed areas. The system also enhances situational awareness to take the surprise out of unknown obstacles which helps to prevent groundings and collisions. It’s particularly helpful in low visibility too. The FarSounder lineup of single-ping Argos sonars have a fast update rate to provide vessels with real-time navigation imagery.

For more information you may contact the FarSounder Official Dealer and Support Center for Greece:

Aegean Electronics SA

4 Zosimadon Str, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

Tel: +30 210 4123000

E-mail: info@aegeanel.com