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Public interest in marine citizen science: is there potential for growth?
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 20:00 authored by Martin, VY, Christidis, L, Gretta PeclGretta PeclSocial studies in citizen science typically focus on existing project participants. We present results from an online survey of 1145 marine users to identify broader public interest in marine citizen science. Although we found considerable community interest, the most enthusiastic tended to have a higher education in science, were under 45 years old, primarily enjoyed SCUBA diving, and had contributed to scientific research in the past. The type of research organization involved in a project played a role in people’s willingness to share information. The discourse of public participation in scientific research encourages public involvement in all aspects of the scientific process; however, we found that the respondents were primarily interested in data-collection opportunities. Feedback and past experiences in research were important considerations for gaining and retaining the volunteers. Our results indicate considerable potential for growth in volunteer recruitment, which can contribute constructively to scientific and public knowledge of the marine environment.
History
Publication title
BioscienceVolume
66Issue
8Pagination
683-692ISSN
0006-3568Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Amer Inst Biological SciPlace of publication
1444 Eye St, Nw, Ste 200, Washington, USA, Dc, 20005Rights statement
Copyright 2016 The AuthorsRepository Status
- Restricted