Wildlife Jewels® Wildlife Monitor Guidelines & Protocol

Welcome to the Wildlife Jewels® EYES Collective Wildlife Monitor Volunteer Program! Our mission is to empower community members to observe, document, and report coastal wildlife sightings and threats. Your participation helps protect local ecosystems, supports conservation efforts, and contributes to public awareness and education.

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Sign up for a volunteer shift through our website by completing the Wildlife Monitor Shift Sign-Up Form.

• Observe coastal wildlife in designated areas, maintaining a safe distance (minimum 50 yards from marine mammals).

• Document sightings with notes, photos, or videos — without disturbing wildlife.

• Immediately report unusual behavior, injured or entangled animals, and hazardous debris via our designated WhatsApp group.

• Submit your observations via the Wildlife Monitor Submission Report Form after each shift.

• Refrain from direct public engagement or confrontation. Follow our Outreach Guidelines for safe communication practices.

Observation Protocol

• Always keep a safe distance:

  • At least 50 feet from sea lions and seals

  • At least 100 feet from dolphins or whales

• Never touch, feed, or attempt to handle wildlife.

• Use binoculars or zoom lenses to observe animals safely.

• Be especially cautious near:

  • Nesting sites

  • Stranded marine mammals

  • Tidepools, dunes, and estuaries

Photo & Data Collection Tips

• Take clear photos from a distance to avoid disturbing wildlife.

• Include both a wide shot (to show the location/surroundings) and a zoomed-in image (to capture injury or condition clearly).

• Record key data:

  • Date and time

  • Location (GPS coordinates if possible)

  • Number of animals

  • Observed behavior and condition

Immediate Reporting

If you observe any of the following, take photos (if safe), note the location, and notify both your team lead and emergency contacts provided, as well as post to the WhatsApp group:

• Injured, entangled, or stranded animals

• Deceased wildlife

• Unusual behaviors (e.g., lethargy, bleeding, disorientation)

• Disturbance by humans (e.g., harassment, off-leash dogs, approaching wildlife)

• Hazardous marine debris (e.g., fishing gear, nets, charcoal, nails, plastics)

⚠️ Do not intervene directly or engage the public. Quietly observe and document. Report immediately through the channels provided.

Outreach Guidelines

To minimize risk and avoid escalation, our program prioritizes non-confrontational observation and reporting. Volunteers should:

• Avoid engaging in conversation or debate with members of the public, even if they are disturbing wildlife.

• Model respectful and safe wildlife behavior.

• If appropriate and non-confrontational, you may distribute educational materials.

• If someone is putting wildlife at risk, do not intervene. Instead:

  • Document the behavior

  • Post to the WhatsApp group and alert appropriate contacts

  • Include full details in your Wildlife Monitor Report

Safety & Ethics

• Work in pairs or small groups whenever possible.

• Check tides and weather before heading out.

• Wear closed-toe shoes and bring sun protection.

• Stay on public trails; respect private property boundaries.

• Represent the program with professionalism and care.

• Carry your wildlife contact list and emergency resources at all times.

Logging & Follow-Up

• Submit your monitoring report within 24–48 hours after each shift.

• Share urgent concerns and media promptly via WhatsApp.

• Participate in monthly virtual or in-person check-ins for updates, training, and feedback.

Program Values

• Respect for wildlife and natural habitats

• Empowering community science and observation

• Stewardship and coastal conservation

• Collaboration with local agencies and organizations