The Role of Citizen Science

Introduction

Part of our work involves encouraging local communities to get involved with environmental monitoring of large macroalgal blooms in their local estuarine areas. We plan to collaborate with local communities, as well as local and national voluntary organisations, in order to develop an extensive volunteer network. Here, we will provide key information regarding seaweed blooms and essential training in environmental sampling and monitoring techniques in the field. In return, the volunteers will help our research by providing samples collected from macroalgal bloom areas and any information regarding bloom development throughout the year.

Main Aims

Inform local and national voluntary organisations of the current environmental status of areas of interest affected by macroalgal blooms.

Collaborate with voluntary organisations in order to develop an extensive network of volunteers to help with sampling and monitoring procedures.

Present project findings and provide information regarding macroalgal blooms and environmental status of affected areas to local communities, voluntary organisations and general public.

Environmental Sampling Design

Macroalgal Sampling

Samples of the different types of macroalgae present in the blooms will be collected by volunteers near the shoreline.

Water Sampling

Macroalgal Sampling

Water samples will be collected by volunteers in the same location as macroalgal samples and filtered.

Environmental Monitoring

Bird Species Observations

Data logger devices monitoring environmental conditions will be deployed at sampling points. Volunteers will help in maintaining these devices.

Bird Species Observations

Volunteers will help in identifying and estimating the abundance of main bird species found within the bloom, as well as observe feeding behaviours.