How does the diversity of divers affect the designing of citizen science projects?

In Chile a large number of divers from all over the country are actively diving for multiple purposes (fisheries, recreation, instruction, installations, research). Understanding differences among these diverse types of divers... [ view full abstract ]

In Chile a large number of divers from all over the country are actively diving for multiple purposes (fisheries, recreation, instruction, installations, research). Understanding differences among these diverse types of divers is crucial to design more inclusive citizen science projects. Recreational specialization theory has been used to explain changes in the perceptions, preferences, and behavioursof different types of divers according to their level of expertise in diving (LED). This variability among divers might also result in differences in their potential (ability and willingness) to participate in citizen science projects. The LED and potential for participating in citizen science projects were evaluated through a survey of 228 divers between Arica and Chiloe (Chile). An elevated level of interest in participating in citizen science projects was detected among all types of divers who share same motivations to participate. However, significant differences were detected between divers in terms of their level of expertise in diving, with recreational divers being less specialized. Divers also preferred different methods of participation: artisanal divers and spearfishers prefer not to involve extra activities during the dive, while recreational divers and instructors show greater interest in performing underwater sampling, dedicating part of the diving time to these new activities. Results of this study suggest that differences between types of divers (at the level of its LED) may determine their preferences to participate in citizen science projects. This finding should be taken into account when designing citizen science projects.