Today is world ocean day! What better way to celebrate than by recognising all the hard work citizen scientists have been doing and encouraging more people to get involved.
Citizen science is the collection of data by volunteering members of the public. This data is then reported to scientists for analysis and used to campaign for change. Citizen science projects come in many different forms from the monitoring of different wildlife species to litter surveys. Its main purpose is to allow us to understand more about our environment through the expansion of our databases. In doing so, over time trends can be identified and if concerning, solutions can be formed.
Source: The Wildlife Trusts
One of the most successful projects has been Beachwatch, led by the Marine Conservation Society. Starting in 1994 the data provided by volunteers has played a crucial role in the introduction of the 5p carrier bag charge, the creation of new laws surrounding microbeads, the correct labelling of wet wipes as un-flushable as well as helping to campaign for a deposit return scheme.
Since the introduction of the 5p carrier bag charge, a 55% decline has been seen in the amount of plastic bags found across UK beaches. Proving your hard work as citizen science volunteers is needed and plays a huge role in the protection of our oceans.
Source: Marine Conservation Society
If you would like to get involved in a citizen science project, the Marine Conservation Society run a variety including the big seaweed search, Beachwatch and the great nurdle hunt. These can all be done individually, with family and friends or with a local volunteer group. Follow the link to find out more: What you can do | Marine Conservation Society (mcsuk.org)
Your local wildlife trust may also be running citizen science projects, so check out their websites to see what they have to offer. Citizen science projects | The Wildlife Trusts
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