All survey data resides solely within the app on the user's device unless and until a user exports and/or deletes it. SeaScribe does not interface with other mobile apps.
SeaScribe was created by Tilson Technology, Inc. on behalf of BOEM. Tilson does not collect or transmit Seascribe data of any kind.
New SeaScribe users must complete their observer profile before creating a survey record/being added to a created survey record by providing their first/last name and an email address (at a minimum). Observer profiles in SeaScribe pair survey contributors and their data, a feature that is helpful in cases in which multiple observers are sharing a mobile device during a survey period.
Add Location Information: The SeaScribe app uses geolocation as a necessary part of its data collection process to pair observation data and positional information. Location services must be enabled for the position information to be recorded in the app. SeaScribe app users must agree to enable location services before initiating the collection of geolocation information. The geolocation information is linked to a specific point in time (i.e., "while in use") and is not intended to track or monitor individuals. Users can disable the function, as desired. While SeaScribe will continue to function and observations can be saved if geolocation services are not enabled, no positional information will be recorded; only the system date-time stamp will be recorded for that observation which can be used to estimate position in post-processing if speed and direction are known.
Add Photos and Audio Recordings: In addition to geolocation data, SeaScribe users can allow the app to take photos and record audio. Audio recording during surveys is common when performing aerial surveys where animals are passing by at high rates of speed and entering data in the standard data entry form could result in missed animals. Observers may desire to capture photos of survey conditions, habitat areas, and avian species present in the survey area. SeaScribe app users must agree to provide the app with access to the device's onboard camera and microphone before initiating use of these optional features. As with location services, camera and microphone access is granted only for the user-initiated survey period. Photos and audio recordings created while using SeaScribe are associated with the applicable survey record for ease of reviewing and archiving later. A user can also delete them, if desired.
All survey data resides solely within the app unless and until a user exports and/or deletes it. A user's mobile device must be able to communicate via Wi-Fi or other data connection to the Internet and must have a valid email account to be able to export data. SeaScribe will prompt users to allow network access. By exporting survey records to a third-party, users are providing non-governmental entities access to their information and are subject to the third-party's privacy and security policies. The BOEM Privacy Policy does not apply.
Operators or researchers submitting avian survey data to BOEM as part of a plan or study related obligation must follow the bureau's submission guidelines and requirements. BOEM will maintain all submitted information in accordance with applicable federal and DOI records management requirements.
SeaScribe app users must agree to provide the app with access to device information in order to activate the Debugging Mode to troubleshoot app issues. While network access is enabled, SeaScribe app users can send limited device information (device model, platform, operating system version, and device manufacturer) and their email address to the app developer in order to report app issues. Additional information about SeaScribe app troubleshooting is available in the SeaScribe User Manual.
We will notify you of any changes to the SeaScribe Privacy Policy by posting updates online and within the app.
You can direct questions or feedback regarding the SeaScribe Privacy Policy to the BOEM Privacy Program. Contact us by email at boemprivacy@boem.gov, by phone at 703-787- 1739, or by mail at the following address:
Bureau of Ocean Energy ManagementUpdated 11/08/2024