Project Duration

2020-present

Location

California

Background

Citizen science plays a crucial role in conserving and managing California’s ocean and coastal habitats. Thousands of volunteers, working on more than 10 different projects, have played a role in collecting monitoring data along California’s marine protected areas (MPAs). 

One of these is MPA Watch, which recruits and trains local volunteers to collect scientifically rigorous data to improve our understanding of how MPAs are being used by the public, what ecosystem services they are providing, and their effectiveness in providing healthy habitat for wildlife. This citizen science initiative monitors human use of coastal natural resources and helps communities collect relevant, accurate, and broadly accessible data.

To join in this effort, the Center for Community and Citizen Science is collaborating with the Ocean Protection Council, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Resource Legacy Fund, and MPA Watch to analyze data recorded by MPA Watch volunteers over the past decade. Dr. Michael Dobbins, a quantitative and spatial ecologist, is leading the analysis by incorporating novel and interdisciplinary analytical methods to better understand the drivers of human use and consumption along California’s coast. 

Funder

Resources Legacy Fund

Partners

Ocean Protection Council, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, MPA Watch