The Role of Citizen Science in Monitoring Marine Biodiversity and Environmental Change

The asterisk indicates that for the purpose of this paper, the term citizen science is used to mean three distinct but inter-dependent categories of citizen science — citizen (1) observatories, (2) monitoring and (3) extension — which are all needed to monitor marine biodiversity and environmental change.

Citizen science, which refers to the involvement of non-scientist individuals in scientific research, has become an important tool for monitoring marine biodiversity and environmental change. This co-creation model takes advantage of public engagement — citizens are everywhere, making it possible to collect data at large spatial and temporal scales. Citizen science has many benefits such as more data collection capacity, greater public awareness and science literacy. But it also comes with challenges around data quality, training the participants, and long-term sustainability of the projects. In this paper I wish to outline some of the ideas surrounding citizen science in recoding marine biodiversity and environmental change, with regard to collective impact, engagement models and considerations of data quality.

Why do we need to Monitor Marine Environment
Marine ecosystems are under unprecedented threat from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. These threats are causing declines in marine biodiversity and therefore cascade effects on ecosystem functioning and the services they provide. The changes we have identified need to be effectively monitored to understand their scale and impacts, inform conservation efforts, and monitor the success of management actions. Traditional monitoring methods, which are often dependent upon professional scientists, are limited in their spatial and temporal coverage owing to logistical and budgetary constraints. Citizen science is a promising avenue to this end, enabling cost- and time-effective replication of sampling across large areas and time scales.

Diversity in Citizen Science Engagement Models
Different citizen science projects engage participants in unique ways, each with its own pros and cons. A typical model is the contributory project, in which citizens participate by contributing data according to protocols designed by scientists. This design is frequently employed in larger scale monitoring projects, such as documenting the dispersal of marine species or sightings of marine debris. The third model is the collaborative project where citizens participate in data collection and analysis. It can lead to more thoughtful engagement and a better understanding of the research process. Finally, for co-created projects, citizens and scientists jointly formulate research questions, design studies and interpret the results. This approach allows local people to own the research and ensures that the project delivers what is of local significance.

Data Quality Considerations
This is especially true of citizen science projects, where data quality is an essential element in their success. Data accuracy and reliability concerns can be mitigated through rigorous project planning, standardization of protocols and robust training. Clear instructions, visual aids and links to online resources will support consistent data collection by participants. Expert reviews and statistical analyses are examples of data validation processes to recognize errors and correct them. Additionally, integrating feedback loops and presenting data in impactful formats can keep participants engaged and motivated, ultimately yielding better data quality over time.

Case Studies
But citizen science projects have proved how effective public participation can be in marine monitoring. I will show this in examples of two successful monitoring programs that work with the public, using trained volunteer divers to contribute data to sea life research efforts: the Glowing Glost, and the Reef Life Survey. The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) enlists volunteers to check for beached birds and generate data on seabird mortality and possible threats. Citizens Scientists Join project’s ocean plastic tracking( The Ocean Cleanup project is using volunteers to track ocean debris to help remove and prevent plastic pollution from entering the oceans. These projects showcase range of potential approaches to integrating the power of citizen science into efforts aimed at understanding and conserving marine environments.