Frequently Asked Questions

BiodiversityOS is a community-driven, open-source platform for collecting, structuring, and visualizing marine biodiversity data. It transforms real-world observations into open, verifiable knowledge, starting with shark tracking in Cozumel, Mexico, with a vision to expand globally across all ecosystems.

Yes, BiodiversityOS is free to use. Anyone can access the data, contribute observations, and use our tools for research and conservation purposes. We believe biodiversity data should be openly accessible.

BiodiversityOS stems from years of field research in the Mexican Caribbean led by Mar Sustentable. What began as a project to document shark presence in Cozumel has evolved into a global vision for open biodiversity intelligence, combining science, community, and technology.

BiodiversityOS uniquely combines decentralized science (DeSci) principles with community-driven data collection. Unlike centralized platforms, our data is transparent, traceable, and openly accessible. We also emphasize local ecological knowledge and ensure all contributions are properly attributed.

You can report sightings through our web application at app.biodiversityos.org. Simply click 'Submit Sighting', fill in the details including species, location, date, behavior observed, and any photos. Our community verification system will help validate your observation.

We collect georeferenced biodiversity observations including species identification, location coordinates, date and time, behavioral data, environmental conditions, and photographic evidence. All data is structured using scientific methodologies to ensure quality and usability for research.

No! BiodiversityOS is designed for citizen scientists, divers, fishers, and anyone who encounters marine life. Our platform guides you through the data submission process, and our community verification system ensures data quality. Local ecological knowledge is highly valued.

Cozumel's waters are home to several shark species including Caribbean Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus perezi), Nurse Sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus), Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna spp.), and occasionally Blacktip Sharks. Our Species Guide has detailed information on each.

BiodiversityOS is built with modern web technologies including Next.js, React, and Leaflet for interactive mapping. We integrate decentralized technologies for data integrity and traceability, ensuring biodiversity records are transparent, attributed, and permanently accessible.

Decentralized Science (DeSci) uses blockchain and distributed technologies to make scientific research more open, transparent, and collaborative. In BiodiversityOS, this means data contributions are traceable, properly attributed to their sources, and cannot be altered without a transparent record.

We are developing open API access for researchers and developers. Our goal is to provide structured, georeferenced biodiversity data that can be integrated into other research tools and conservation platforms. Check our documentation for the latest on API availability.

Yes. BiodiversityOS is built around open data principles: observations are openly accessible, contributors receive attribution, and the platform is designed to avoid locking data behind proprietary systems. Openness is a design requirement, not just a policy.

Researchers can access structured, georeferenced biodiversity data for their studies, contribute their own field data, participate in community verification, and collaborate on analysis. Contact us to discuss research partnerships and data sharing agreements.

Absolutely. We actively seek partnerships with conservation organizations, protected area managers, academic institutions, and research networks. Partners can use our spatial insights to inform protection strategies and identify priority areas for conservation action.

You can support BiodiversityOS by contributing observations, spreading awareness, partnering as an institution, or supporting the project financially. Every contribution helps expand data collection, strengthen community participation, and develop better tools for biodiversity monitoring.

Your contributed data is used to build a comprehensive picture of marine biodiversity. It feeds into interactive maps, species distribution analyses, and conservation research. Data is always attributed to contributors and used ethically in accordance with our open science principles.

Yes. While biodiversity observations are public and open, your personal information is protected. You control what identifying information is displayed with your contributions. We never sell personal data and follow strict data protection practices.