Scientists can’t be everywhere and that’s where the rest of us can help fill the gap. With a number of projects available, people can share information and collect data that further scientific research, and the protection of species and the environment. This post highlights a few citizen science projects across different themes. If there isn’t a suitable programme for you below, try running a search on www.scistarter.org. We hope this helps you feel more empowered about taking action for the ocean.

Marne debris

Project AWARE’s flagship citizen science program, Dive Against Debris®, empowers scuba divers to remove marine debris from the ocean and report data on the types, quantities, and locations of materials collected.

Learn more: https://www.projectaware.org/diveagainstdebris

Shark conservation

Shark Trust’s Shark Sightings Database was launched in 2008 and enables individuals and organisations anywhere in the world to record their shark sightings online. The information recorded provides a key resource for shark conservation.

Learn more: https://www.sharktrust.org/sightings-database

Coral health

There are not enough scientists to monitor the world's reefs and now anyone can help collect valuable coral data. CoralWatch developed the Coral Health Chart in 2002 that standardises changes in coral colours, and provides a simple way for people to quantify coral health and contribute to the CoralWatch global database.

Learn more: https://coralwatch.org/index.php/monitoring/

Manta rays

There are not enough scientists to monitor the world's reefs and now anyone can help collect valuable coral data. CoralWatch developed the Coral Health Chart in 2002 that standardises changes in coral colours, and provides a simple way for people to quantify coral health and contribute to the CoralWatch global database.

Learn more: https://coralwatch.org/index.php/monitoring/

Whale sharks

You can help study whale sharks! The Wildbook for Whale Sharks photo-identification library is a visual database of whale shark (Rhincodon typus) encounters and of individually catalogued whale sharks. The library is maintained and used by marine biologists to collect and analyse whale shark sighting data to learn more about these amazing creatures.

Learn more: http://whaleshark.org/

Fish populations

The REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project allows volunteer scuba divers and snorkelers to collect and report information on marine fish populations, as well as selected invertebrate and algae species in temperate reef areas. The data is housed in a publicly-accessible database on REEF's website and used by a variety of resource agencies and researchers.

Learn more: https://www.reef.org/programs/reef-volunteer-fish-survey-project