Citizen scientists enrich freshwater science

14th May 2019

 The journal identifies FreshWater Watch as an example of common platforms and methods which offer project cost-effectiveness, study scalability, and data quality, yet provide sufficient flexibility to adapt to the specific needs of individual studies and their volunteers.

The special edition is introduced by Earthwatch’s freshwater scientists and features a further five articles underpinned by FreshWater Watch. It explores the potential for citizen science to expand knowledge and enhance understanding of freshwater environments. The focus on FreshWater Watch follows the 2017 special edition of Science of the Total Environment.

Steven Loiselle, Earthwatch’s Senior Research Lead for Freshwater, said: “These studies show the potential of citizen science to gain insights into freshwater biodiversity and the benefits these vital ecosystems provide. The use of citizen science in freshwater science is growing and so too is the quality of the scientific outputs.”

“In part, this growth has been caused by a gradual evolution and expansion in the approach, which involves volunteers as sensors, collaborators, and co-creators. This flexibility holds great promise for gaining new knowledge to protect and improve our environment.”

FreshWater Watch is Earthwatch’s global project that engages members of the public in hands-on-activities to monitor the health of their local water bodies.

Last year FreshWater Watch achieved its 20,000th water quality record. The data spans over 40 countries on six continents, increasing our understanding of the impacts of land management, urbanisation and climate change on freshwater ecosystems.