Citizen Science for Coastal and Marine Conservation

In recent years, citizen science has emerged as a powerful new concept to enable the general public, students, and volunteers to become involved in scientific research. A prime example is in biodiversity conservation, where data collection and monitoring can be greatly enhanced through citizen participation. This is the first book to provide much needed guidance and case studies from marine and coastal conservation. The novelty and rapid expansion of the field has created a demand for the discussion of key issues and the development of best practices. The book demonstrates the utility and feasibility, as well as limitations, of using marine and coastal citizen science for conservation, and by providing critical considerations (i.e.which questions and systems are best suited for citizen science), presents recommendations for best practices for successful marine and coastal citizen science projects. A range of case studies, for example, on monitoring of seabird populations, invasive species, plastics pollution, and the impacts of climate change, from different parts of the world, is included. Also included are discussions on engaging youth, indigenous communities, and divers and snorkelers as citizen scientists, as well as best practices on communication within citizen science, building trust with stakeholders, and informing marine policy as part of this exciting and empowering way of improving marine and coastal conservation. .

Table of Contents:
Part I Introduction 1. The Promise and Need of Citizen Science for Coastal and Marine Conservation Part II: The practice of marine and coastal citizen science for conservation.- Section Intro Paragraph 2. Defining the Baseline and Tracking Change in Seabird Populations: The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) 3. Using citizen science to address conservation issues related to climate change and coastal systems 4. Citizen Sentinels: The role of Citizen Scientists in Reporting and Monitoring Invasive Non-Native Species 5. Using citizen science to study the impact of vessel traffic on marine mammal populations 6. Marine Litter – bringing together citizen scientists from around the world 7. Using Citizen Science to Inform Ocean and Coastal Resource Management 8. Engagement in Marine Conservation through Citizen Science: A Community-Based Approach to Eelgrass Restoration in Frenchman Bay, Maine, USA 9. Citizen Science and Marine Policy Part III: The People and Perspectives of Marine and Coastal Citizen Science: Diverse Interests, Needs, and Benefits 10. Collaborating with indigenous citizen scientists towards sustainable coral reef management in a changing world: the One People One Reef Program 11. Engaging Youth and Schools in Coastal Citizen Science: Balancing Both Education and Science Goals 12. Uniquely marine: snorkelers and divers as citizen scientists Part IV Conclusions - Lessons Learned and Best Practices for marine and coastal conservation citizen science 13. Communication and Trust-Building with the Broader Public through Marine and Coastal Citizen Science 14. Conclusions: Lessons Learned and Next Steps for Citizen Science in Marine and Coastal Conservation