What You’ll Learn in Our Free Citizen Science Workshop
Fundamentals of Citizen Science
At the heart of every Ocean Sanctuaries citizen science workshop is a foundational understanding of what citizen science truly means—and why it matters more than ever.
Citizen science is the practice of public participation in scientific research. It empowers individuals, regardless of background or expertise, to contribute directly to real-world environmental research. Whether you're a student, teacher, diver, or simply a nature enthusiast, your observations can play a critical role in advancing marine conservation.
In our workshop, you'll receive an introduction to citizen science that goes beyond the basics. We explore how volunteers across the globe contribute to major scientific initiatives, gathering data that informs everything from species protection to ocean health monitoring. You'll learn that public participation isn't just welcomed—it's essential.
Participants discover how they can make science contributions that matter. You'll explore the role citizen scientists play in projects like monitoring artificial reefs, documenting marine species, and tracking environmental changes. With easy-to-use tools and structured guidance, Ocean Sanctuaries makes science accessible to all, showing that passion and curiosity are just as important as credentials.
Here’s what you’ll gain in this section:
A clear understanding of how citizen science supports global conservation.
Insight into how your local observations feed into international research efforts.
Real-life examples of how everyday people have made a measurable difference.
This isn't just learning—it’s activating your role in protecting the oceans. Whether you're dipping your toes into science for the first time or looking to deepen your environmental impact, the citizen science workshop from Ocean Sanctuaries is your gateway to meaningful community science education.
Marine Species Identification
One of the most engaging and practical parts of the citizen science workshop is learning how to identify and document marine life. Understanding species identification is a core skill that empowers citizen scientists to contribute valuable data to marine research and conservation efforts.
Participants are introduced to essential techniques for recognizing and recording marine biodiversity. Through guided iNaturalist training, you’ll learn how to take clear, scientifically useful photos of marine species—whether it's a vibrant nudibranch, a shy octopus, or a school of kelp bass. The workshop also teaches how to use identification keys and platform tools to confirm species names and upload observations correctly.
Why is this important? Every accurate species log helps build a clearer picture of local marine biodiversity. These records contribute to global databases like GBIF and are used by marine scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to track ecosystem health, identify species trends, and protect critical habitats.
By the end of this section, participants will:
Confidently recognize and photograph a variety of marine species.
Use iNaturalist to log observations that contribute to global conservation efforts.
Understand how accurate species documentation informs marine ecosystem research.
This training ensures you're not just observing marine life—you’re actively contributing to the scientific story of our oceans. Whether you're on a dive, at a tide pool, or exploring coastal reefs, your role in marine conservation starts with one carefully logged encounter.
Practical Field Skills
Knowledge is powerful—but knowing how to apply it in the field is where the true impact of citizen science comes alive. In the free citizen science workshop, participants gain hands-on training in practical marine research skills that transform curiosity into conservation-ready contributions.
You'll start by learning essential field skills training, such as how to capture high-quality photographs of marine life. These aren’t just snapshots—they’re data points. Our workshop shows you how to frame, focus, and position your images to ensure they're clear and useful for species identification and scientific analysis.
Next, we cover data collection techniques tailored to citizen science. You'll be introduced to mobile apps and easy-to-use tools for logging observations, recording water conditions, and even noting species behaviors. Some sessions include working with basic monitoring equipment like temperature sensors, which are increasingly vital in tracking climate-related changes in marine environments.
Here's a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Best practices for underwater or tide pool photography.
How to log environmental variables that support long-term research.
Steps for using mobile tools to input data into platforms like iNaturalist and FieldScope.
These skills aren’t just for scientists in labs—they’re for community members like you, making real contributions from the shoreline, boat, or dive site. With the right techniques, your field observations become trusted components of larger marine conservation efforts.
Whether you’re documenting a colorful sea slug or measuring tide pool temperatures, this section of the workshop empowers you with the field skills to gather data that matters—for scientists, ecosystems, and the future of our oceans.
Using Technology for Conservation
In today's digital age, conservation science is no longer confined to field notebooks and microscopes. The citizen science workshop at Ocean Sanctuaries introduces participants to powerful, easy-to-use digital conservation tools that allow anyone to contribute meaningful data from anywhere—whether on the beach, in the classroom, or even at home.
You'll gain hands-on experience with platforms like Wildbook, a digital pattern recognition system that helps identify individual marine animals—such as sharks—from photographs submitted by citizen scientists. Learn how this tool is used in projects like the Sevengill Shark ID Project, where pattern matching aids in monitoring shark populations.
Participants will also explore FieldScope, a platform designed for logging and analyzing environmental observations, including shark sightings and marine conditions. It's intuitive and beginner-friendly, making it ideal for both casual observers and committed conservationists. Additionally, you’ll be introduced to the Ocean Data Library, where participants can access and contribute to a growing database of marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Key takeaways from this training include:
Understanding how digital tools connect your observations to global conservation efforts.
How to upload data and interpret findings through visual dashboards and maps.
Ways to collaborate online with other citizen scientists and marine researchers worldwide.
Technology has made it possible for more people than ever to support marine conservation from their own devices. This workshop section shows just how simple—and impactful—it can be to use your smartphone or computer to help protect ocean life. Whether you're logging sightings or analyzing trends, you'll leave equipped to turn tech into a tool for ocean stewardship.
Real-world Case Studies and Success Stories
What makes Ocean Sanctuaries’ citizen science workshop truly inspiring isn’t just the skills you learn—it’s seeing the real-world conservation outcomes those skills support. In this section, you’ll explore impactful case studies that showcase how everyday people—just like you—have made measurable contributions to marine science.
One standout example is the Yukon Marine Life Survey, where trained volunteer divers documented over 50 species living on the HMCS Yukon, a sunken warship turned artificial reef. Their photographs and data submissions via iNaturalist helped establish a long-term biodiversity baseline, which continues to inform conservation strategies for artificial reefs.
Another success story comes from the Sevengill Shark Identification Project, which uses photo recognition through Wildbook to monitor shark populations in San Diego. Citizen scientists captured images of individual sharks, which researchers used to analyze population trends and advocate for protection measures.
The workshop also highlights community-driven plastic pollution tracking and temperature monitoring projects. These efforts have not only provided critical environmental data but also engaged schools and local organizations in actionable marine conservation efforts. Participants from previous workshops have helped inform policies and build awareness in their communities—proving that citizen science isn’t just educational, it’s transformative.
By reviewing these success stories, you’ll see:
How specific skills taught in the workshop led to scientific findings and policy influence.
Examples of conservation outcomes driven by ordinary people collecting extraordinary data.
The ripple effect of participation—how one person's action inspires a wave of community impact.
These real-life examples provide not only validation but motivation. They show that when you join a citizen science project, you’re not just learning—you’re changing the world, one data point at a time.
Building Community Connections
Beyond data and discovery, one of the most rewarding parts of participating in a citizen science workshop is becoming part of a vibrant, purpose-driven community. At Ocean Sanctuaries, you won’t be learning alone—you’ll be connecting with a global network of citizen scientists, educators, divers, and ocean advocates all working toward a shared mission: protecting marine life and ecosystems.
From the moment you join, you’ll engage in authentic community engagement—whether it's through collaborative marine surveys, group field outings, or ongoing digital discussions about marine biodiversity. The workshop fosters an environment where questions, stories, and successes are shared freely, turning participants into a supportive cohort of fellow ocean stewards.
Through Ocean Sanctuaries’ global citizen science network, you'll also have access to long-term opportunities and mentorship. Whether you’re a student looking to launch a school project or a diver hoping to contribute regularly to reef monitoring, the network provides resources and relationships to help you grow. You’ll meet experts, learn from seasoned citizen scientists, and even find opportunities to co-lead future initiatives.
Key community benefits include:
Access to a worldwide network of conservation-focused peers and mentors.
Invitations to bioblitzes, species surveys, and collaborative research events.
Ongoing support through digital forums, newsletters, and virtual meetups.
Being part of this community means you're never alone in your efforts. You're contributing to something bigger—a collective movement of people who care deeply and act boldly to ensure healthy oceans for generations to come.
This is more than a workshop. It’s your entry point into a lifelong, meaningful community where science and connection go hand in hand. Dive in, and you’ll find your people—right alongside your purpose.
Conclusion: Dive In and Make a Real Difference
Ocean Sanctuaries’ free citizen science workshop isn’t just a class—it’s an invitation to step into a global movement. You’ll gain practical skills, from species identification and field documentation to digital conservation tools like iNaturalist, Wildbook, and FieldScope. You’ll explore powerful success stories, collaborate with a passionate community, and walk away ready to make measurable science contributions.
Whether you’re an educator, diver, student, or nature lover, this workshop offers accessible, hands-on marine conservation training for all experience levels. And the best part? It’s free, inclusive, and designed to help you transform curiosity into action.
So, what are you waiting for? Your data matters. Your voice matters. Your impact is real.
Register now for our upcoming workshop and start your journey as a citizen scientist today.
Join Ocean Sanctuaries and be part of a mission that’s turning public participation into powerful, data-driven ocean stewardship.
