Thinking about the "citizen" in citizen science

There is strong evidence supports the development of volunteer-based citizen science monitoring projects for coral reef ecosystems, particularly given their appeal to divers and snorkelers, who could become citizen scientists... [ view full abstract ]

There is strong evidence supports the development of volunteer-based citizen science monitoring projects for coral reef ecosystems, particularly given their appeal to divers and snorkelers, who could become citizen scientists with training by local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The citizen science literature has focused more on the potential data, its utility, and its scientific implications than it has on the background of those volunteering as citizen scientists. Where volunteers’ backgrounds have been examined, it has been primarily to assess their education. The assumption is that volunteers are citizens, and thus have an interest or stake in data they are collecting. However, on Utila, Honduras, marine-focused citizen science projects have relied heavily on the efforts of foreign tourists who scuba dive. In 2009, a local NGO relied on these divers (tourists and foreign dive professionals) to collect data about lionfish sightings in an effort to understand the extent of their presence in the region. This paper argues that researchers and project organizers should identify ways to include the local community in citizen science projects to increase support for the project and potential conservation-related outcomes. Using the lionfish monitoring project as an example, this paper illustrates how the local community was excluded from the project and the resulting lost educational opportunities. While tourists learned how to safely capture and consume lionfish, many in the local community remained afraid of the fish and its toxins. Increasing citizen interest in monitoring and capturing lionfish by engaging them in the citizen science project will assist in local species control, diversify participation by including a currently underrepresented group, and spread the benefits of citizen science projects more broadly. Specific ways to include the local community are discussed to illuminate the possibilities and challenges researchers face.