Citizen Bio-Optical Observations from Coast- and Ocean and Their Compatibility with Ocean Colour Satellite Measurements

Abstract

Marine processes are observed with sensors from both the ground and space over large spatio-temporal scales. Citizen-based contributions can fill observational gaps and increase environmental stewardship amongst the public. For this purpose, tools and methods for citizen science need to (1) complement existing datasets; and (2) be affordable, while appealing to different user and developer groups. In this article, tools and methods developed in the 7th Framework Programme of European Union (EU FP 7) funded project Citclops (citizens' observatories for coast and ocean optical monitoring) are reviewed. Tools range from a stand-alone smartphone app to devices with Arduino and 3-D printing, and hence are attractive to a diversity of users; from the general public to more specified maker-and open labware movements. Standardization to common water quality parameters and methods allows long-term storage in regular marine data repositories, such as SeaDataNet and EMODnet, thereby providing open data access. Due to the given intercomparability to existing remote sensing datasets, these tools are ready to complement the marine datapool. In the future, such combined satellite and citizen observations may set measurements by the engaged public in a larger context and hence increase their individual meaning. In a wider sense, a synoptic use can support research, management authorities, and societies at large.

Hue-Angle Product for Low to Medium Spatial Resolution Optical Satellite Sensors

“…Since that time, colour has become more and more important in societal communication, as is evident from the development in colour printing, colour screens (television, computer monitors, tablets), digital cameras, and smartphones. Therefore, colour was chosen in the European Citclops (Citizens' observatories for coast and ocean optical monitoring) project [4] as a primary parameter to involve citizens in the monitoring of natural waters [5]. Involvement of the general public in the collection of observations of the environment has gained momentum under the term "citizen science".…”

Determining global distribution of microplastics by combining citizen science and in‐depth case studies

“…Citizen science can be a powerful tool to employ in environmental research, as large amounts of data can be collected while engaging the general public at the same time (Dickinson et al 2010;Busch et al 2016). Citizen science can be a powerful tool to employ in environmental research, as large amounts of data can be collected while engaging the general public at the same time (Dickinson et al 2010;Busch et al 2016).…”

The Role of Citizen Science in Earth Observation

“…The paper by Busch et al [21] illustrates the added value that citizens can bring when they monitor ocean color, in particular along coastlines. They can fill observational gaps since remote sensing methods are not accurate along coastal zones due to the mixed pixel problem of having land and water.…”

“…[20] Disaster Online ** -** --* F, C Busch el al. [21] Marine Field-based ** ** * + + * F, P, C Elmore et al [28] Phenology Field-based *** ** + -* C Heigl et al [22] Biodiversity Field-based *** *** ** C Kosmala el al. [27] Phenology Online *** ** * -+ ** P, C Laso Bayas et al [23] Land Cover Field-based ** ** * -+ * S, F, P, C Molinier el al.…”