Humpback whale sightings

Each year, humpback whales attract numerous visitors to North America’s West Coast. Over the past year, I was fortunate to observe these magnificent creatures multiple times in their Monterey Bay feeding grounds—experiences that left me both awestruck and deeply curious.

Witnessing these majestic animals up close leaves a lasting impression and underscores the importance of protecting marine life through research, education, and advocacy. Every species, from plankton to whales, plays a vital role in our oceans’ ecosystems. By safeguarding them, we invest in the health of our planet.

Inspired by these encounters, I developed a map visualizing humpback whale sightings throughout 2024, utilizing data from GBIF: The Global Biodiversity Information Facility , iNaturalist , and Happywhale. This project was both creatively rewarding and instrumental in enhancing my proficiency with ArcGIS Pro, expanding my cartographic skill set.

This interactive map displays confirmed humpback whale sightings from across 2024, offering a dynamic look at where these whales have been observed throughout the year. Compiled from community reports, research surveys, and coastal observations, the map helps track humpback migration patterns, seasonal presence, and coastal hotspots. Whether you're a researcher, wildlife enthusiast, or educator, this tool provides valuable insight into the movement and distribution of humpback whales during the 2024 season, supporting conservation, awareness, and collaborative data collection.

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Tracking The Big 5 In and Around The Ngorongoro Crater