Dive In To Summer Citizen Science
It’s July, ideal for cooling off with marine science exploration. In that spirit, here’s some wet and wild science research that needs your help.
Sharks Are Jawsome!
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the television, it’s Shark Mania Season! If the wall to wall shark viewing frenzy puts you in the mood for citizen science, consider helping real shark researchers study real sharks! Check out this collection of projects featuring sharks and their Friends and Family.
Shark-Free Exploration
If you want to get your feet wet, but maybe not above your ankles, check out the Ocean Sanctuaries’ Tide Pool Project. You’ll explore these fascinating little natural aquariums, documenting the creatures that live there and sharks are rarely among them. This iNaturalist project is based in California; for other areas, search iNaturalist for “tide pools.”
Catch a Wave!
Public Domain, via Flickr Creative Commons)
Do you surf? Do you want to help preserve coastal areas? Then you’ll want to catch a ride on Surfrider, a project that helps protect beaches for surfers and non-surfers alike. Among their many projects is the Blue Water Task Force, which empowers nonscientists to conduct water quality testing through 50 chapter based labs.
Report Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is an enormous problem, especially in marine environments where it kills fish, turtles and marine mammals that consume it or get stuck in it. With Marine Debris Tracker, you’ll report on debris washed up on shorelines, providing data that helps target remediation efforts.