Not everyone is a scientist. Or are they? Far from the insular academia of old, those of the ivory tower have now realised that if we are to conserve the natural resources of this world, they need the help of everyone.
Citizen science data collection has become increasingly prevalent in the 21st century, a formidable tool in forming colossal data sets and spreading awareness about threats facing our natural resources.
It's no secret that our oceans are suffering. From abusive fishing practices to global warming altering its very chemistry, to the scourge of pollution from sewage and plastic, all of which are resulting in unprecedented changes to biodiversity. But not all is lost: across the world, not-for-profit organisations and researchers are fighting this malaise, and they need YOU to help them! Keep reading to find out what you can do in Plymouth.
The Rockpool Project's BioBlitz Survey: find out more or sign up here.
The Rockpool Project's BioBlitz is a great way to get into rock pooling. All you need to do is go to one of the survey sites and see what you can find! The survey sites here in Plymouth include Firestone Bay, West Hoe Beach and Mt. Batten beach. You can sign up on the Rockpool Project website (linked above), which gives details on how to stay safe, where to look, and how to identify what you find, so even if you have never rock pooled before you can still get involved. They also put on big rockpool challenges, where you can ask questions to volunteers about what you have found. The next of which is a BioBlitz on the 15th of March at Mt. Batten beach. But if you can’t make that, don’t worry: you can do a BioBlitz on your own whenever by signing up online.
Finvision: find out more or take part here.
Got an eye for detail? Then Finvision could be the project for you! Headed by Dr Ben Ciotti, this project seeks to survey juvenile fish habitats, which are essential if we are to effectively manage fisheries. All you need to do is go onto Zooniverse and find Finvision. You will be tasked with watching six second video clips recorded by the JHaM-Cam (Juvenile habitat monitoring camera) and seeing if you can spot any fish. The overarching goal is to train AI based software that can automatically detect size and presence of juvenile fish. So far only 1% of clips have been completed, so much work is still needed.
The Great Egg Case Hunt: find out more or take part here.
Have you ever come across a leathery pouch whilst out wandering on the beach? Also known as mermaids’ purses, these curious oddities are actually the eggs cases of sharks, skates and rays. The shark trust have made a handy app with an easy-to-use ID guide so you can identify and upload any you may find. It is advised you rehydrate the egg case in freshwater (soaking for one or two hours for smaller eggs cases, a day for larger ones) as it makes them easier to identify. Even better, the data from this project will be made open access, so any researcher can use it.
Marine Conservation Source to Sea Litter Quest: find out more or take part here.
80% of litter on our beaches is from an inland source. This project does not require you to go to the beach - all you need to do is download a source to sea litter quest form and record all the litter you see in your local park, streets, even around your university campus. And if you get the chance and it is safe to do so, you can also throw the litter away/recycle it. This data will be used as evidence for deposit return scheme policies which MPs in Westminster have recently passed legislation on; proof that a little citizen science can create monumental change.
The Big Seaweed Search: find out more or take part here.
The natural history museum and the marine conservation society are teaming up to monitor the effects of environmental change on our seaweed. Seaweed is a vital resource for both humans and animals alike, and Britain is home to some 650 species. You can download a handy identification guide and survey form via their website.
Whether you hold a degree in science or not, citizen science projects allow all of us to help further planet-saving research, to ensure a future for all humans and nature. So why not explore one or more of the projects above, and let us know how it went?
Image courtesy of Marine Conservation Society.
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