The Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) Tools Network and OpenChannels.org co-hosted this webinar on Citizen Science for Coastal and Marine Environments. This webinar featuring emerging research on marine citizen science in Australia, Redmap Australia, Reefwatch, Feral or in Peril, and Monitoring Seas and Inspiring Communities was held on July 18, 2013.
Thinking about starting a citizen science program and wondering how to make it successful? On this webinar, organizers from three marine citizen science programs in Australia will talk about their citizen science experiences and answer questions from participants. The webinar will last 1.5 hours to allow ample time for questions/discussion after the presentations. Featured presenters and projects are:
- Carla Sbrocchi of the University of Technology, Sydney. Carla is currently completing a research study on the contributions of citizen science in the coastal and marine environment in Australia and will present an overview of her findings.
- Gretta Pecl of the University of Tasmania. Range Extension Database and Mapping (Redmap) allows Australians to share sightings of marine species that are ‘uncommon’ to their local seas. Over time, Redmap will use this citizen science data to map which Australian marine species may be extending their distribution range in response to changes in the marine environment, such as ocean warming. Learn more at www.redmap.org.au.
- Alex Gaut of the Conservation Council South Australia. The Reef Watch monitoring program provides recreational scuba divers, snorkelers and others with the skills to gather valuable information about temperate reefs (both subtidal and intertidal). Reef Watch survey methods are scientifically valid and provide data that is comparable with data collected by scientists. Data is provided to relevant government agencies to improve adaptive management of marine ecosystems. Learn more at www.conservationsa.org.au/reefwatch-home.html. Feral or in Peril is building an early warning network of recreational divers, anglers and boaters to help keep track of introduced marine pests that are a potential threat to marine ecosystems as well as local species of conservation concern. Learn more at www.conservationsa.org.au/feral-or-in-peril.html. Monitoring Seas and Inspiring Communities (MOSAIC) is a brand new program starting with two pilot projects to implement citizen science in South Australia’s new marine park network.