What is a Marine Citizen Scientist? 5 Ways to Become One

Here are five easy ways you can get involved in marine citizen science initiatives, including recommended equipment and safety tips:

Marine Mammal Monitoring

Volunteers can participate in marine mammal sightings, report whale, dolphin, or seal observations, and contribute to tracking their populations and migration patterns.

Many organisations offer citizen science programs where individuals can record sightings, behavior, and location through apps or online databases.

An example is the Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s citizen science projects such as Shorewatch or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which asks people to report stranded animals.

Here is some equipment you might require:

Binoculars: For spotting marine mammals from a distance (10x42 binoculars are a common recommendation). For viewing from the shore (a lot easier than on a wavy vessel!), spotting scopes with tripods are popular.
Good Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens (e.g., 70-300mm) for capturing clear images of distant mammals. Pictures of whale flukes can even be recognised to the individual whale and help tracking.
Field Notebook/Smartphone: To log sightings and record key information like species, behavior, and location.
GPS or Mapping Apps: To accurately report the location of sightings.
Marine Mammal Identification Guide: To help identify species in the field. Find a guide that’s relevant to your area.

Bird Watching and Monitoring

Participating in bird surveys, especially for seabirds or migratory birds that frequent coastal areas.

Citizen scientists can observe, count, and identify different species and report data to databases like eBird or through local birding organizations.

The British Trust for Ornithology, promotes several programmes which encourages volunteers to monitor nesting seabirds and track their success rates along various shorelines.

Here is some equipment you might require:

Binoculars: Good quality binoculars (e.g., 8x42 or 10x42) for spotting seabirds and coastal birds. Again, a spotting scope with a tripod on dry land is even better.
Camera: A camera with a zoom lens (e.g., 100-400mm) to capture detailed images of birds without disturbing them.
Bird Field Guide: A guidebook or a mobile app (e.g., Merlin Bird ID) to help identify species.
Survey Grid/Checklist: For tracking bird numbers and behaviors (usually available from the organisations conducting the surveys).
Notebook or App: To record data such as species, time of sighting, weather, and behavior.

Shoreline Surveys (Nature and Waste)

You can participate in regular shoreline surveys to assess biodiversity or track pollution levels (such as marine debris or plastic).

These surveys often involve beach cleanups or recording types of waste found on the beach and monitoring natural coastal habitats.

The Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup, where volunteers remove trash and report waste to help track pollution trends.

Here is some equipment you might require:

Gloves: To protect hands during cleanup and handling marine debris.
Trash Bags/Containers: For collecting waste, ideally with compartments for sorting different types of waste (plastic, metal, glass, etc.).
Survey Grid: A marked grid or map of the survey area to track locations of debris or areas of interest.
Camera: To document the types of debris, species, and the condition of the shoreline.
Tally Sheets or Mobile App: To record the amount and type of waste, as well as the species observed in the area.
A species guide whilst surveying is useful. You can always take photos of the species and compare or get help from someone once you’re home.

Water Quality Monitoring

Citizens can collect water samples and monitor water quality parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, or dissolved oxygen levels. I know Surfers Agaisnt Sewage operate a sampling programme focusing on E.coli from sewage. It is also possible to measure phytoplankton!

Data is then submitted to programs that track environmental changes and identify potential issues.

The Water Quality Monitoring program by organizations like the Citizen Science Association or local environmental groups, where volunteers test water bodies for contaminants or other quality indicators.

Monitoring water quality is a bit trickier, and reliable instruments can be expensive to obtain. However is may be possible get trained by a local charity or authority and get access to instruments.

Equipment for Measuring Key Water Quality Parameters:

Water Thermometer: A waterproof digital thermometer to measure water temperature (e.g., for accurate readings in the field).
pH Tester: A portable pH meter or test strips for measuring the acidity or alkalinity of the water.
Turbidity: A turbidity tube (or Secchi disk for deeper waters) to measure water clarity. Some simple kits allow for turbidity readings using a tube and a color comparison scale.
Nutrient Test Kits: Portable test kits for measuring nitrogen, phosphorus, or other nutrients (e.g., Nitrate and Phosphate testing kits) (e.g., "Hach Water Quality Test Kits" which are easy for non-experts to use).

Shoreline Change Monitoring

Volunteers can help monitor coastal erosion, tidal changes, or shifts in habitat by regularly observing and documenting changes in the shoreline's landscape.

This data helps track the impacts of climate change, storm surges, and human activity. The most common types is of photo frames set up facing a beach. A person then takes a photo lining up the frame with the beach, and then submits this. Gradual change of the beach can then be identified.

CoastSnap offers programs where volunteers help collect data on coastal shoreline changes over time

Each of these initiatives can be done at a local level with minimal equipment, often just requiring the use of apps or simple tools, and they help provide crucial data for environmental conservation and policy.

Here is some equipment you might require:

GPS or Mapping Tool: To track exact locations where measurements or observations are taken.
Survey Grid: A grid system or pre-marked maps to define the area of the shoreline being surveyed. This helps to monitor changes over time.
Camera: To photograph the shoreline and document changes.
Measuring Tape: To measure shoreline erosion or changes in beach width.
Field Notebook/Smartphone: For logging observations, including the changes in the shoreline, species, and erosion rates.

Some programs may offer workshops or online training to help participants use the equipment correctly and ensure accurate data collection.

Safety Considerations for Marine Citizen Science Activities

Check Tide and Weather Forecast

Coastal conditions can change rapidly due to tides, storms, or shifts in weather, which could pose significant risks, especially during shoreline surveys or boat-based activities.

Always check the tide schedule and weather forecast before heading out. Ensure that tides are favorable for access and safety (e.g., avoid high tide in areas prone to flooding or entrapment, and check for potential storms or strong winds).

Use tide tables or tide apps, and check local weather services.

Lifejackets & Buoyancy Aids

If you are near water or on a boat, wearing a lifejacket is essential. Make sure you understand the difference between a lifejacket and buoyancy aid and wear what is suitable for the activity.

It’s a basic but critical safety measure to prevent drowning, especially in case of unexpected falls or capsizing.

Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid if you're working near or on water (especially if operating small boats, kayaks, or paddleboards).

Ensure it’s properly fitted and comfortable.

For those working from boats or small vessels, ensure there is enough safety equipment for everyone, including lifejackets for all crew members, flares, and a whistle.

Footwear

Coastal environments can have slippery rocks, muddy areas, sharp objects (like shells or debris), or rough terrain.

Wear sturdy, slip-resistant footwear. Avoid flip-flops or barefoot walking, as they do not offer adequate protection.

Safe Access to Survey Sites

Some shorelines or remote areas may require hiking or navigating tricky paths to access. In these situations, it’s crucial to ensure you have a safe, planned access route to avoid injury.

However most coastal can be accessed that via public paths with parking near by, you don’t need to go far off the beaten track.

Always plan your route beforehand, and avoid cutting across unstable or dangerous terrain (e.g., cliffs, unstable sandbars).

Ensure that the site can be safely accessed on foot or by boat.

Use maps or GPS apps to identify safe trails, and consider going in groups if the terrain is challenging.

Suitable Experience and Qualifications

Operating boats, kayaks, or other small watercraft requires knowledge of safe navigation, proper handling, and the potential risks involved in water activities.

Ensure that those operating boats or watercraft have the necessary boating experience. If you are unfamiliar with the watercraft, take a basic safety course or hire an experienced guide.

Some jurisdictions require a boating license or a safety certification to operate motorized boats or other watercraft. Always verify local regulations.

Emergency Contacts

In case of an emergency, having the correct emergency contacts on hand can be lifesaving.

Before heading out, inform someone (friend, family, or colleague) of your planned activity, including the location, contact information and expected return time.

This ensures they can alert authorities if you do not return as expected.

Additional Tip: Carry a fully charged phone or a satellite communicator if you're working in remote areas where cell reception may be poor.

Know the local emergency services contact numbers (e.g., coast guard, local search and rescue).

Other Important Safety Measures:

Sun Protection: When working outdoors, ensure you're protected from sun exposure. Use sunscreen wear a hat and bring sunglasses to protect your eyes.
First Aid Kit: Carry a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, and any personal medications (e.g., allergy medicine, epinephrine if necessary).
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and bring enough water and snacks to keep your energy levels up, especially during long survey sessions.
Weather-Specific Gear: If working in colder climates, wear waterproof, insulated layers. In warmer climates, ensure you're prepared for heat with appropriate clothing and hydration.

You now have a good understanding of what you can get involved in, pick one and get out there! Enjoy our coasts and what they have to offer safely.

If you would like to learn more about marine science and our oceans, check out the Coastal Catch Up free ebook here.