Increasing understanding of alien species through citizen science (Alien-CSI)

Abstract

There is no sign of saturation in accumulation of alien species (AS) introductions worldwide, additionally the rate of spread for some species has also been shown to be increasing. However, the challenges of gathering information on AS are recognized. Recent developments in citizen science (CS) provide an opportunity to improve data flow and knowledge on AS while ensuring effective and high quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS (Invasive Alien Species). Advances in technology, particularly on-line recording and smartphone apps, along with the development of social media, have revolutionized CS and increased connectivity while new and innovative analysis techniques are emerging to ensure appropriate management, visualization, interpretation and use and sharing of the data. In early July 2018 we launched a European CO-operation in Science and Technology (COST) Action to address multidisciplinary research questions in relation to developing and implementing CS, advancing scientific understanding of AS dynamics while informing decision-making specifically implementation of technical requirements of relevant legislation such as the EU Regulation 1143/2014 on IAS. It will also support the EU biodiversity goals and embedding science within society. The Action will explore and document approaches to establishing a European-wide CS AS network. It will embrace relevant innovations for data gathering and reporting to support the implementation of monitoring and surveillance measures, while ensuring benefits for society and citizens, through an AS CS European network. The Action will, therefore, increase levels of participation and quality of engagement with current CS initiatives, ensuring and evaluating educational value, and improve the value outcomes for potential users including citizens, scientists, alien species managers, policy-makers, local authorities, industry and other stakeholders.

Integrating science and citizen science: the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) sustainable fishery of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Spatiotemporal information was obtained using citizen science, and researchers were able to train and use focal groups to study inshore fisheries in Denmark [55]. The study of alien species [56] is another important aspect for fisheries management where CS is able to help in gathering ecological data.…”

Empowering Citizens to Inform Decision-Making as a Way Forward to Support Invasive Alien Species Policy

“…The European Union Regulation refers to volunteer participation in decision-making (including citizen science, public awareness, and education) through engagement in surveillance and monitoring (Schade et al 2019). More specifically, the Alien-CSI COST Action (CA17122) Increasing understanding of alien species through citizen science supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) strives to strengthen the network of alien species citizen science projects to improve decision-making and to foster exchanges among citizens, scientists, managers, policymakers, local authorities, industry, and other stakeholders (Roy et al 2018). At the global level, meta-networks are being set up which also aim to support and promote effective citizen science related initiatives on invasive species (Lucy et al 2016).…”

“…Professional scientists provide robust data, but the long time series and land coverage of citizens' observations can be leveraged to meet the demands of both policy and research (Giraud et al 2016;Grason et al 2018;Scyphers et al 2015). For example, in recent policy reporting from Belgium on the baseline distributions of species on the European Union List of Concern, twothirds of the data used came from citizen science recording platforms (Adriaens et al 2018;Tollington et al 2017). The relationship among researchers, policy-makers, and citizen scientists could be more symbiotic, but often is not strong in practice.…”

The Many Roles of Remote Sensing in Invasion Science

“…The increasing public access to drones and the availability of big data from social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), combined with widely available remote sensing data, can provide detailed insights on invasions at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. In fact, capitalizing citizen science approaches for the participatory sensing of invasions could constitute a step-ahead in the early detection, surveillance, and management of invasive species (Roy et al, 2018). The creation of programs and repositories for citizen science surveillance based on remote information (including mobile applications to receive and share information about invasive alien species, such as "invasoras.pt" or "planttracker.org.uk") could constitute a promising approach in the future of invasion science and management.…”