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. 

[The Shark Trust Great Eggcase Hunt logo]

The Shark Trust Great Eggcase Hunt

The Great Eggcase Hunt began in 2003 following a chance find on a beach in Devon. The project quickly developed with the aim of getting as many people as possible out hunting for eggcases and recording their finds.

Empty eggcases can help indicate species presence and diversity. Recording eggcases helps to discover more about egg laying species in our waters and enables the Shark Trust to build shark profiles that provide evidence for conservation.

The Shark Trust Great Eggcase Hunt is funded by multiple funders shown at the end of this screen.

[Plan image]
Plan

The Great Eggcase Hunt's goal is to educate people that sharks are found in our waters and how evidence of this can be found

  • Events and ad-hoc eggcase collection at the beach with participants being as involved as they want to be
  • Verified processes: an online recording form or The Shark Trust App with verification from trusted experts and trained volunteers

Image attribution:  Judith Hamilton, Great Eggcase Hunt

[Collect image]
Collect

Eggcases are mainly gathered from across the UK but also from across the world 

  • Optional outlined methodology, including setting up timed or distance surveys 
  • Online resources and training pack available, no prior experience required

Image attribution:  James Harris, Great Eggcase Hunt

[Process image]
Process

Data are internally verified and standardised

  • Verification: by trusted experts and trained volunteers
  • Quality Control: verified internally by The Shark Trust
  • Standardisation: Data are being converted to Darwin Core format

Image attribution:  Louise Cooper, Great Eggcase Hunt

[Preserve image]
Preserve

Data are currently stored on a cloud system

  • Apps have been updated to streamline the data to fit with Darwin Core
  • Data will eventually be shared with OBIS UK

Image attribution:  Jules M, Great Eggcase Hunt

[Share image]
Share

Data are shared with statutory agencies, students and the public

  • Request forms are available
  • Recently launched online results map
  • End of year report summarising results

Image attribution:  James Harris, Great Eggcase Hunt

[Re-use image]
Re-use

Shared data has been used by statutory bodies to inform various initiatives and policy 

  • Data have supported NatureScot MPA designation processes 
  • The IUCN have used data to inform the Important Shark and Ray Areas initiative 

Image attribution:  Martyn Tovey, Great Eggcase Hunt

The Shark Trust Great Eggcase Hunt funders