Applied citizen science in freshwater research

WIREs Water
By: , and 
Edited by: Stuart N. Lane

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Abstract

Worldwide, scientists are increasingly collaborating with the general public. Citizen science methods are readily applicable to freshwater research, monitoring, and education. In addition to providing cost-effective data on spatial and temporal scales that are otherwise unattainable, citizen science provides unique opportunities for engagement with local communities and stakeholders in resource management and decision-making. However, these methods are not infallible. Citizen science projects require deliberate planning in order to collect high data quality and sustain meaningful community partnerships. Citizen science practitioners also have an ethical responsibility to ensure that projects are not putting the safety of participants at stake. We discuss here how citizen science is being applied in freshwater research, emerging challenges in project planning and implementation, as well as how citizen science is shaping public understanding, policy, and management of freshwaters.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Applied citizen science in freshwater research
Series title WIREs Water
DOI 10.1002/wat2.1578
Volume 9
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Southwest Biological Science Center
Description e1578, 11 p.
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