New Zealanders are being urged to turn everyday moments into marine conservation wins, as the Department of Conservation launches two new citizen science tools aimed at protecting some of the country’s rarest ocean species.

With an estimated 695 billion living organisms in Aotearoa, the Department of Conservation (DoC) says it’s time to “Always be Naturing” – whether you’re at the beach, in the office, or at home.

The SeaSpotter and Spyfish Aotearoa apps make it easy for anyone to contribute to marine research and protection, simply by snapping photos or identifying fish on screen.

Marine technical adviser Hannah Hendriks said everyone can contribute.

“From identifying fish at your desk, to snapping photos of seals on the beach or spotting Māui dolphins while you surf, you can be taking action for nature.

“It’s about finding those small moments in daily life to connect with and care for the environment.”

Citizen science app SeaSpotter makes it easy to upload photos and videos of marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals.

Sightings contribute to an open-source platform directly supporting research and conservation efforts for marine mammals.

The application was developed by conservation technology not-for-profit MAUI63, with DoC, WWF-New Zealand (https://wwf.org.nz/), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), and others.

The co-founder and chief executive of the MAUI63 Charitable Trust, Tane van der Boon, says the trust is passionate about using technology to help everyone better understand and protect marine animals.

“We’re super excited about SeaSpotter and how it will turn everyday Kiwis into citizen scientists.”

Van der Boon says the app gives the community a chance to get involved.

“Collecting data will help scientists and researchers track and protect marine mammals like the threatened southern right whale. The more people involved, the better the data and the greater impact it will have.”

SpyFish app counting fish. Photo / DOC

Marine mammals in New Zealand waters range from permanent residents, such as Hector’s and Māui dolphins, to migratory visitors that travel thousands of kilometres to feed or breed here.

Hendriks says New Zealanders have the opportunity to make their beach culture count for nature.

“We love to visit the coast – and we have the privilege of sharing it with dolphins, whales, and seals in their natural environments.

“Every sighting helps us better understand where rare species live and how to protect them. With 695 billion reasons to care, SeaSpotter turns everyday encounters into conservation action.”

For days when the coast is a wistful memory, the Spyfish Aotearoa project is designed to bring marine life into offices, homes, and classrooms.

Launched in partnership with Wildlife.AI via the Zooniverse platform, Spyfish Aotearoa invites people to watch short clips of underwater footage from New Zealand marine reserves and identify fish species.

Outputs contribute directly to real scientific research – helping scientists focus their time on trend analysis and conservation planning.

“Spending five minutes of a meeting counting fish together is a calming, collaborative activity which just happens to help nature. You don’t need to be a scientist. You just need a few minutes, a screen, and some curiosity and it’s surprisingly relaxing,” says Dr Monique Ladds, DoC’s marine ecosystems senior technical adviser.

Blue Cod at Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Photo / Zac Penman

Both apps are part of a growing movement to use citizen science for marine protection. Whether in the office or out on the water, Hendriks says, there’s a role for everyone in caring for the oceans.

“When thousands of people take small actions – from logging a dolphin sighting, to identifying a blue cod on screen – we create a powerful wave of support for the future of our marine ecosystems,” she says.

“Always be Naturing is about exactly that: making nature part of everyday life, and taking those small, meaningful actions that add up to big change.”

Get involved:

Download SeaSpotter from the App Store, Google Play or by visiting www.seaspotter.nz and start logging marine mammal sightings today.

Join Spyfish Aotearoa at Spyfish Aotearoa | Zooniverse – People-powered research and try it with your team.