Empowered by the masses: Recent research affirms that citizen science indeed produces results
In a significant breakthrough for marine conservation, a new study published in the Journal of Biogeography has highlighted the importance of citizen science in understanding and protecting whale habitats. The research, conducted by Dr. Lauren E. Dares and Dr. Chloe V. Robinson, utilised data from the Sightings Network, a citizen science program operated by Clemson University.
The study, titled "Assessing Cetacean Habitat Suitability in the Northeast Pacific From Citizen Science Data," used twenty years of whale and porpoise sightings submitted to the Sightings Network. This data was integrated with environmental factors measured from satellites such as sea surface temperature, depth, and chlorophyll levels to create species distribution models (SDMs) for the 10 most common cetaceans on B.C.'s coast.
The models accurately predicted seasonal habitat hotspots for various species, including humpbacks, fin whales, harbor porpoises, and Dall's porpoises. Over 875,000 real-time alerts have been issued based on the data collected by the Sightings Network, informing the Whale Report Alert System and alerting large vessels to the presence of whales to reduce ship strikes.
Citizen scientists are a crucial part of modern whale research. Each whale sighting submitted through the Whale Report App helps alert nearby vessels, preventing ship strikes, and supports ongoing research. The public can also help whales by following Be Whale Wise guidelines when boating in coastal waters, including keeping distance, reducing speed, and minimising noise, especially around killer whales.
The findings of the study confirm that citizen science data, when properly collected and curated, can hold up to scientific scrutiny and deliver real-world conservation value. The study also accounted for reporting biases, such as people spotting whales more often along busy ferry routes or near coastal communities, ensuring the results were as accurate as possible.
The Sightings Network, which has collected over 25,000 verified sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and sea turtles over the past 22 years, feeds into one of the most comprehensive cetacean databases in North America. The public can stay informed about whale research and conservation efforts by visiting the Sightings Network's website.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of citizen science in whale conservation. By participating in programmes like the Sightings Network and the Whale Report App, the public can play an active role in protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures.
