How to Participate
Become a Beach Observer
Anyone who lives near or visits the shoreline can contribute. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes. Here's how to get started with the Geo.ai/sargassumwatch app.
Download the App
Visit Geo.ai/sargassumwatch on your smartphone browser or search for it in your app store. The app is free and works on both iOS and Android.
Create an Account
Sign up with your email address. Your account lets you track your own submissions and see how your observations contribute to the dataset.
Go to the Beach
Head to your nearest shoreline. You can submit observations from any coastal location — even if there is no sargassum present. Every observation matters!
Record a Shoreline Video
Record a short 5–10 second video sweeping the beach from left to right. This gives scientists a panoramic view of current conditions.
Photograph Any Sargassum
If you see sargassum, take close-up photos of specimens on the beach. Include a scale reference (like your hand or a coin) when possible.
Submit Your Observation
Upload your video and photos through the app. The GPS coordinates are captured automatically. Your data is live on the map within minutes.
Also in How to Use
Not sure what Sargassum looks like?
Learn to identify Sargassum in the field — species differences, key features, and common look-alikes.
Identification Guide