Diving into conservation!
As one of the newest members of CPAWS-NS, I wanted to share with you one of my favourite parts about studying and working in marine conservation – diving! Over the past four years, I have been very fortunate to explore underwater sites in Nova Scotia, Mexico, and Bermuda, as both a scientific and a recreational diver, and I have seen firsthand how the diving community can play an important role in protecting our oceans. So, as we gear up for the summer, let’s talk about how recreational divers can help conservation and research efforts through marine citizen science.
What is marine citizen science?
Marine citizen science is the participation of volunteers in any kind of marine data collection, survey, and/or monitoring that will contribute information to a scientific project or database. Volunteers are members of the public that may or may not be scientists themselves. Specific training or expertise is usually not required, and resources will be available to help guide you.
Why is it important?
There are millions of recreational divers all over the world that are in the water all year round, spending hundreds of hours monitoring local sites. They are a wealth of knowledge about common species, sightings of rare or introduced species, and trends from year-to-year. Although some divers may not have extensive scientific training, that doesn’t mean that the data they collect isn’t useful. Citizen science programs have already contributed vital data to many studies, including projects that monitor Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
As members of the community, recreational divers not only contribute valuable information to ongoing projects, but also spread awareness and inspire more engagement with local conservation initiatives.
How can it benefit you?
As divers, we are already excited and curious about what lives under the surface. As a citizen scientist, you will be more likely to find and notice new things underwater as you learn more about different marine ecosystems and what species can be found there. This will make your diving experience much more fun and rewarding!
Check out these Marine Citizen Science Programs in Nova Scotia:
- REEF’s (Reef Environment Education Foundation) Volunteer Fish Survey Project
- Dive Against Debris
- Ocean Networks Canada
- DFO – Reporting shark sightings
- iNaturalist
Whether you are diving this summer, or roaming the beaches and trails, I hope you will join me in learning about and taking part in citizen science or other conservation programs in your area. I am thrilled to be on the conservation team this summer working on our marine campaigns!
-Monika