Citizen Science Case Studies

The case studies below demonstrate the data journey for specific marine citizen science projects, covering their planning, collection, processing, preservation, sharing and reuse. 

[Shoresearch logo]

Shoresearch

Shoresearch is The Wildlife Trusts' national citizen science survey of the intertidal shore, the exciting world of extremes where the sea meets the land. It is a long running project that has evolved over a long period. In 2003 Kent Wildlife Trust realised that they had a lack of baseline information around their shores along with many volunteers that would be willing to help fill the gaps. The Wildlife Trusts are a federation, there are 47 in total and they learn from each other. Shoresearch teams have subsequently branched out across the UK from south to north.

Shoresearch has a few goals, from a data point of view they collect records that are useful inside and outside of MPAs showing the effect that pollution or invasive species can have on these areas. There is a big data gap for MPAs and Shoresearch try to fill this. Also supporting ocean literacy, helping people to explore local areas, upskilling and the welfare benefits to society that volunteering brings.

Volunteers are trained to identify and record the wildlife on shores across the UK. The data collected by this project helps experts to monitor our fragile sea life and better understand the effects of pollution, climate change and invasive alien species. Shoresearch data has been key to designating many of our Marine Conservation Zones.

Shoresearch is funded by The Wildlife Trusts’ supporters.

[Plan image]
Plan

Volunteers are trained to identify and record the wildlife on shores across the UK and Alderney.

  • Data collected using standardised methodologies
  • Data portal centralises data collection
  • Data management plan in place

Image attribution: The Marine Biological Association

[Collect image]
Collect

Data is collected by volunteers across the UK and Alderney

  • Data collected using four standardised methodologies
  • Both in-person and online training given, no experience needed
  • Data is collected using Shoresearch mobile app or paper forms before being entered into Shoresearch's national data portal

Image attribution: Josh Symes, Cornwall Wildlife Trust

[Process image]
Process

Data are verified and standardised

  • Verification: by trained volunteers and iRecord
  • Standardisation: through Shoresearch mobile app and data portal
  • Taxon aligned with UK species inventory

Image attribution: The Marine Biological Association

[Preserve image]
Preserve

Verified data are archived into recognised repositories

  • Data initially stored in a database held by the Biological Records Centre (BRC)
  • Data flows into iRecord, the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) and onwards

Image attribution: The Marine Biological Association

[Share image]
Share

Results are shared with the public, statutory agencies and openly available online

  • Data portal can be accessed by The Wildlife Trusts federation and partners
  • Results shared with participants
  • Reports made to various organisations ie Natural England (NE)

Image attribution: Gala Podgornik, Ulster Wildlife Trust

[Re-use image]
Re-use

Shoresearch data are available and used for future studies and monitoring is encouraged.  This includes:

  • Marine Protected Area monitoring
  • Monitoring of invasive species and/or climate indicators
  • Feeding into marine planning

Image attribution: The Marine Biological Association

Shoresearch funders