About Baltic Sea Animals
The Ostsee-Tiere platform enables citizens, researchers and nature observers to report their sightings of whales, seals and other marine animals.
Together we create valuable data for marine research and nature conservation.
Our mission
We believe that everyone can make a contribution to protecting the marine environment. By collecting and sharing sighting data, we build a comprehensive knowledge base about the marine animals of the Baltic Sea.
Your report is scientifically evaluated by the German Oceanographic Museum and passed on to the international bodies for the protection of Baltic Sea harbour porpoises: to HELCOM, the Helsinki Commission for the protection of the Baltic Sea, and to ASCOBANS, the agreement for the conservation of small cetaceans.
Citizen Science
Citizen science makes everyone a researcher and contributes to important scientific insights.
Our platform
State-of-the-art technology for ease of use and maximum scientific relevance
Easy reporting
Intuitive forms guide you step by step through recording your sighting with GPS-precise location.
Interactive map
See the published sightings by year on a detailed map of the Baltic Sea and discover patterns and hotspots.
Open data
The published sightings are available via an open API and can therefore be used for research and teaching .
This platform is operated by the German Oceanographic Museum in Stralsund, one of the leading centres for marine research and education in Germany. For over 70 years, we have been dedicated to researching and protecting marine habitats.
Data protection & security
We process your report in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Federal Data Protection Act. Here are four points that directly affect you:
- Für Rückfragen zu Ihrer Meldung brauchen wir Name und E-Mail. Anschrift und Telefonnummer sind freiwillig.
- Name und Schiffsname erscheinen nur öffentlich, wenn Sie dem im Formular ausdrücklich zustimmen. Ohne Zustimmung bleiben sie bei uns.
- All connections are encrypted (HTTPS).
- Server und Datenbank stehen bei GECKO in Rostock, also in Deutschland.
Your rights and who to contact regarding them are set out in the German Oceanographic Museum’s Privacy Policy. The purposes for which we use the individual details provided in your report are set out in the consent sections of the form.
Technology
The platform is open source and is licensed under the MIT license. It runs on SvelteKit, a PostgreSQL database with PostGIS for geodata, and OpenLayers for the map. You can find the source code, license text and the option to report a bug in the repository.
This application was developed with the support of AI tools. All content is editorially reviewed by the German Oceanographic Museum, which takes responsibility for it.
Join the movement
Every sighting counts! Help us unlock the secrets of the Baltic Sea and protect its unique inhabitants .