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Cole NL, Kormann E, Klebel T, Apartis S, Ross-Hellauer T. The societal impact of Open Science: a scoping review. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:240286. [PMID: 39100167 PMCID: PMC11296153 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Open Science (OS) aims, in part, to drive greater societal impact of academic research. Government, funder and institutional policies state that it should further democratize research and increase learning and awareness, evidence-based policy-making, the relevance of research to society's problems, and public trust in research. Yet, measuring the societal impact of OS has proven challenging and synthesized evidence of it is lacking. This study fills this gap by systematically scoping the existing evidence of societal impact driven by OS and its various aspects, including Citizen Science (CS), Open Access (OA), Open/FAIR Data (OFD), Open Code/Software and others. Using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews and searches conducted in Web of Science, Scopus and relevant grey literature, we identified 196 studies that contain evidence of societal impact. The majority concern CS, with some focused on OA, and only a few addressing other aspects. Key areas of impact found are education and awareness, climate and environment, and social engagement. We found no literature documenting evidence of the societal impact of OFD and limited evidence of societal impact in terms of policy, health, and trust in academic research. Our findings demonstrate a critical need for additional evidence and suggest practical and policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicki Lisa Cole
- Open and Reproducible Research Group, Sandgasse 36, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Kormann
- Open and Reproducible Research Group, Sandgasse 36, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Klebel
- Open and Reproducible Research Group, Sandgasse 36, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Apartis
- Open and Reproducible Research Group, Sandgasse 36, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Eichholtzer AC, Driscoll DA, Patrick R, Galletta L, Lawson J. The co-benefits of biodiversity citizen science for well-being and nature relatedness. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2024; 16:515-536. [PMID: 37876142 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Human well-being is dependent on the health of our planet. Biodiversity-related citizen science supports conservation research, and there is increasing interest in its potential as a health co-benefits intervention. This randomized controlled study investigates the health co-benefits of biodiversity citizen science participation. Seventy participants were randomly assigned to a citizen science project or control group for an 8-month period. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention surveys, evaluating nature relatedness, self-efficacy related to biodiversity loss, subjective well-being, and climate change anxiety. A subset (N = 13) of participants engaged in the citizen science project also took part in focus group discussions. The intervention group reported a significant increase in nature relatedness and self-efficacy to help address issues of biodiversity loss. Although no significant changes were observed for other well-being or anxiety scales, most participants reported positive outcomes related to mental or physical well-being in focus groups. There were stronger positive effects for participants without previous environmental volunteering experience. These results suggest that citizen science participation has the potential to contribute to Planetary Health goals, with sustained co-benefits for well-being and nature relatedness. Future interventions evaluating co-benefits should consider previous environmental volunteering experience and focus on participants with little experience to maximize health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Eichholtzer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Don A Driscoll
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Patrick
- School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Galletta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin Lawson
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
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Nanglu K, de Carle D, Cullen TM, Anderson EB, Arif S, Castañeda RA, Chang LM, Iwama RE, Fellin E, Manglicmot RC, Massey MD, Astudillo‐Clavijo V. The nature of science: The fundamental role of natural history in ecology, evolution, conservation, and education. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10621. [PMID: 37877102 PMCID: PMC10591213 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a contemporary trend in many major research institutions to de-emphasize the importance of natural history education in favor of theoretical, laboratory, or simulation-based research programs. This may take the form of removing biodiversity and field courses from the curriculum and the sometimes subtle maligning of natural history research as a "lesser" branch of science. Additional threats include massive funding cuts to natural history museums and the maintenance of their collections, the extirpation of taxonomists across disciplines, and a critical under-appreciation of the role that natural history data (and other forms of observational data, including Indigenous knowledge) play in the scientific process. In this paper, we demonstrate that natural history knowledge is integral to any competitive science program through a comprehensive review of the ways in which they continue to shape modern theory and the public perception of science. We do so by reviewing how natural history research has guided the disciplines of ecology, evolution, and conservation and how natural history data are crucial for effective education programs and public policy. We underscore these insights with contemporary case studies, including: how understanding the dynamics of evolutionary radiation relies on natural history data; methods for extracting novel data from museum specimens; insights provided by multi-decade natural history programs; and how natural history is the most logical venue for creating an informed and scientifically literate society. We conclude with recommendations aimed at students, university faculty, and administrators for integrating and supporting natural history in their mandates. Fundamentally, we are all interested in understanding the natural world, but we can often fall into the habit of abstracting our research away from its natural contexts and complexities. Doing so risks losing sight of entire vistas of new questions and insights in favor of an over-emphasis on simulated or overly controlled studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Nanglu
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary BiologyHarvard UniversityCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Danielle de Carle
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
- Department of Invertebrate ZoologyRoyal Ontario MuseumTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Thomas M. Cullen
- Department of GeosciencesAuburn UniversityAuburnAlabamaUSA
- Negaunee Integrative Research CenterField Museum of Natural HistoryChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Erika B. Anderson
- The HunterianUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
- Department of Earth and SpaceRoyal Ontario MuseumTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Suchinta Arif
- Department of BiologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Rowshyra A. Castañeda
- Ecosystems and Ocean SciencesPacific Region, Fisheries and Oceans CanadaSidneyBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Rafael Eiji Iwama
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de BiociênciasUniversidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | - Erica Fellin
- Department of BiologyMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
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4
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Dekramanjian B, Bartumeus F, Kampen H, Palmer JRB, Werner D, Pernat N. Demographic and motivational differences between participants in analog and digital citizen science projects for monitoring mosquitoes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12384. [PMID: 37524770 PMCID: PMC10390545 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38656-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, citizen scientists help to map the distribution of native and introduced mosquito species in a variety of programs, contributing to environmental research and management decisions. Participant background, behavior, and engagement may vary depending on the project design, especially between those using digital apps and those using physical samples, which in turn may impact the quality and representativeness of the data collected. During the analysis of the responses to a survey directed at citizen scientists participating in a digital and an analog program, we found significant differences in the respondents' demographic backgrounds. Diverse participant motivations and varying sentiments towards mosquitoes were observed, indicating differing susceptibility in response to the program messages. The results can be translated into recommendations to further strengthen the appeal of citizen science projects and to promote and sustain public engagement in environmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berj Dekramanjian
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Frederic Bartumeus
- Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Blanes, Spain
- Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicaicons Forestals (CREAF), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - John R B Palmer
- Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Nadja Pernat
- Leibniz-Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany.
- Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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5
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Greving H, Bruckermann T, Schumann A, Stillfried M, Börner K, Hagen R, Kimmig SE, Brandt M, Kimmerle J. Attitudes Toward Engagement in Citizen Science Increase Self-Related, Ecology-Related, and Motivation-Related Outcomes in an Urban Wildlife Project. Bioscience 2023; 73:206-219. [PMID: 36936382 PMCID: PMC10020826 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Citizen science projects are crucial for engaging citizens in conservation efforts. Although attitudes toward engagement in citizen science were mostly considered an outcome of citizen science participation, citizens may also have a certain attitude toward engagement in citizen science when starting with a citizen science project. Moreover, there is a lack of citizen science studies that consider changes over longer periods of time. Therefore, in this research, we present two-wave data from four field studies of a citizen science project about urban wildlife ecology using cross-lagged panel analyses. We investigated the influence of attitudes toward engagement in citizen science on self-related, ecology-related, and motivation-related outcomes. We found that positive attitudes toward engagement in citizen science at the beginning of the project had positive influences on the participants' psychological ownership and pride in their participation, their attitudes toward and enthusiasm about wildlife, and their internal and external motivation 2 months later. We discuss the implications for citizen science research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Greving
- Knowledge Construction Lab, Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Till Bruckermann
- Institute of Education, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Biology Education, IPN–Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anke Schumann
- Science Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Milena Stillfried
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Konstantin Börner
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Hagen
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophia E Kimmig
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miriam Brandt
- Department of Science Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Kimmerle
- Knowledge Construction Lab, Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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6
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Pocock MJO, Hamlin I, Christelow J, Passmore H, Richardson M. The benefits of citizen science and nature‐noticing activities for well‐being, nature connectedness and pro‐nature conservation behaviours. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
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7
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von Gönner J, Bowler DE, Gröning J, Klauer AK, Liess M, Neuer L, Bonn A. Citizen science for assessing pesticide impacts in agricultural streams. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159607. [PMID: 36273564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The majority of central European streams are in poor ecological condition. Pesticide inputs from terrestrial habitats present a key threat to sensitive insects in streams. Both standardized stream monitoring data and societal support are needed to conserve and restore freshwater habitats. Citizen science (CS) offers potential to complement international freshwater monitoring while it is often viewed critically due to concerns about data accuracy. Here, we developed a CS program based on the Water Framework Directive that enables citizen scientists to provide data on stream hydromorphology, physicochemical status and benthic macroinvertebrates to apply the trait-based bio-indicator SPEARpesticides for pesticide exposure. We compared CS monitoring data with professional data across 28 central German stream sites and could show that both CS and professional monitoring identified a similar average proportion of pesticide-sensitive macroinvertebrate taxa per stream site (20 %). CS data were highly correlated to the professional data for both stream hydromorphology and SPEARpesticides (r = 0.72 and 0.76). To assess the extent to which CS macroinvertebrate data can indicate pesticide exposure, we tested the relationship of CS generated SPEARpesticides values and measured pesticide concentrations at 21 stream sites, and found a fair correlation similar to professional results. We conclude that given appropriate training and support, citizen scientists can generate valid data on the ecological status and pesticide contamination of streams. By complementing official monitoring, data from well-managed CS programs can advance freshwater science and enhance the implementation of freshwater conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia von Gönner
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department Ecosystem Services, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Biodiversity, Dornburgerstr.159, 07743 Jena, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Diana E Bowler
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Biodiversity, Dornburgerstr.159, 07743 Jena, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Benson Lane, Wallingford OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Jonas Gröning
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department System-Ecotoxicology, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Klauer
- Saxony State Foundation for Nature and the Environment (LaNU), Riesaer Str. 7, 01129 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias Liess
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department System-Ecotoxicology, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lilian Neuer
- Friends of the Earth Germany e.V. (BUND), Kaiserin-Augusta-Allee 5, 10553 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aletta Bonn
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department Ecosystem Services, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Institute of Biodiversity, Dornburgerstr.159, 07743 Jena, Germany; German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstr. 4, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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8
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Herodotou C, Ismail N, Aristeidou M, Miller G, Lahnstein AIB, Khanaposhtani MG, Robinson LD, Ballard HL. Online Community and Citizen Science supports environmental science learning by young people. COMPUTERS & EDUCATION 2022; 184:104515. [PMID: 35795264 PMCID: PMC7612992 DOI: 10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Community and citizen science in online settings could be seen as a means for young people to engage with and contribute to authentic science. Yet, there is a limited understanding of who takes part in citizen science among young people, what they learn, and through which processes, particularly in online settings. In this exploratory study, we analysed 34 in-depth interviews and log files of young people aged 11-19 years old who took part in citizen science projects, hosted on the Zooniverse platform. Data analysis suggested that participation in online citizen science can bring environmental science learning benefits to young people, with some participants reporting evidence of agency with science, highlighted by taking action to do science in another context. Many participating youth exhibited substantial previous science experiences that helped them to take part and learn from citizen science projects. Considering findings from this study, we present a first working framework of how environmental science learning is enabled or hindered by certain types of participation, as a means to guide the design of online citizen science for young people. We recommend that the future project design, publicity and recruitment in online citizen science activities explicitly target the needs and interests of young people with diverse characteristics and competencies to truly open science to all.
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9
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Bowler DE, Bhandari N, Repke L, Beuthner C, Callaghan CT, Eichenberg D, Henle K, Klenke R, Richter A, Jansen F, Bruelheide H, Bonn A. Decision-making of citizen scientists when recording species observations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11069. [PMID: 35773384 PMCID: PMC9245884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Citizen scientists play an increasingly important role in biodiversity monitoring. Most of the data, however, are unstructured—collected by diverse methods that are not documented with the data. Insufficient understanding of the data collection processes presents a major barrier to the use of citizen science data in biodiversity research. We developed a questionnaire to ask citizen scientists about their decision-making before, during and after collecting and reporting species observations, using Germany as a case study. We quantified the greatest sources of variability among respondents and assessed whether motivations and experience related to any aspect of data collection. Our questionnaire was answered by almost 900 people, with varying taxonomic foci and expertise. Respondents were most often motivated by improving species knowledge and supporting conservation, but there were no linkages between motivations and data collection methods. By contrast, variables related to experience and knowledge, such as membership of a natural history society, were linked with a greater propensity to conduct planned searches, during which typically all species were reported. Our findings have implications for how citizen science data are analysed in statistical models; highlight the importance of natural history societies and provide pointers to where citizen science projects might be further developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana E Bowler
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Str. 159, 07743, Jena, Germany. .,Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Netra Bhandari
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lydia Repke
- Department of Survey Design and Methodology, GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, P.O. Box 12 21 55, 68072, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Beuthner
- Department of Survey Design and Methodology, GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, P.O. Box 12 21 55, 68072, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Corey T Callaghan
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108, Halle, Germany
| | - David Eichenberg
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Klaus Henle
- Department of Conservation Biology & Social-Ecological Systems, Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Reinhard Klenke
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108, Halle, Germany
| | - Anett Richter
- Thünen Institute of Biodiversity, Bundesallee 65, 38116, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Florian Jansen
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg 6, 18059, Rostock, Germany
| | - Helge Bruelheide
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Am Kirchtor 1, 06108, Halle, Germany
| | - Aletta Bonn
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Puschstraße 4, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Dornburger Str. 159, 07743, Jena, Germany.,Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz-Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
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Gillings S, Harris SJ. Estimating the carbon footprint of citizen science biodiversity monitoring. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Simon ADF, Adamczyk EM, Basman A, Chu JWF, Gartner HN, Fletcher K, Gibbs CJ, Gibbs DM, Gilmore SR, Harbo RM, Harris LH, Humphrey E, Lamb A, Lambert P, McDaniel N, Scott J, Starzomski BM. Toward an atlas of Salish Sea biodiversity: the flora and fauna of Galiano Island, British Columbia, Canada. Part I. Marine zoology. Biodivers Data J 2022; 10:e76050. [PMID: 35437414 PMCID: PMC8930920 DOI: 10.3897/bdj.10.e76050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Based on records dating from 1859 to 2021, we provide an overview of the marine animal diversity reported for Galiano Island, British Columbia, Canada. More than 650 taxa are represented by 20,000 species occurrence records in this curated dataset, which includes dive records documented through the Pacific Marine Life Surveys, museum voucher specimens, ecological data and crowd-sourced observations from the BC Cetacean Sightings Network and iNaturalist. New information We describe Galiano Island's marine animal diversity in relation to the Salish Sea's overall biodiversity and quantify the proportional contributions of different types of sampling effort to our current local knowledge. Overviews are provided for each taxonomic group in a format intended to be accessible to amateur naturalists interested in furthering research into the region's marine biodiversity. In summary, we find that the Pacific Marine Life Surveys, a regional community science diving initiative, account for 60% of novel records reported for Galiano Island. Voucher specimens account for 19% and crowd-sourced biodiversity data 18% of novel records, respectively, with the remaining 3% of reports coming from other sources. These findings shed light on the complementarity of different types of sampling effort and demonstrate the potential for community science to contribute to the global biodiversity research community. We present a biodiversity informatics framework that is designed to enable these practices by supporting collaboration among researchers and communities in the collection, curation and dissemination of biodiversity data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. F. Simon
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea, Galiano Island, CanadaInstitute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish SeaGaliano IslandCanada
| | - Emily M. Adamczyk
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea, Galiano Island, CanadaInstitute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish SeaGaliano IslandCanada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CanadaUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Antranig Basman
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea, Galiano Island, CanadaInstitute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish SeaGaliano IslandCanada
| | - Jackson W. F. Chu
- University of Victoria, Victoria, CanadaUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaCanada
| | - Heidi N. Gartner
- Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, CanadaRoyal British Columbia MuseumVictoriaCanada
| | - Karin Fletcher
- Port Orchard 98366, Port Orchard, United States of AmericaPort Orchard 98366Port OrchardUnited States of America
| | - Charles J. Gibbs
- Pacific Marine Life Surveys, Port Coquitlam, CanadaPacific Marine Life SurveysPort CoquitlamCanada
| | - Donna M. Gibbs
- Pacific Marine Life Surveys, Port Coquitlam, CanadaPacific Marine Life SurveysPort CoquitlamCanada
| | - Scott R. Gilmore
- 7494 Andrea Cres, Lantzville, Canada7494 Andrea CresLantzvilleCanada
| | - Rick M. Harbo
- Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, CanadaRoyal British Columbia MuseumVictoriaCanada
| | - Leslie H. Harris
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, United States of AmericaNatural History Museum of Los Angeles CountyLos AngelesUnited States of America
| | - Elaine Humphrey
- Institute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish Sea, Galiano Island, CanadaInstitute for Multidisciplinary Ecological Research in the Salish SeaGaliano IslandCanada
- University of Victoria, Victoria, CanadaUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaCanada
| | - Andy Lamb
- Pacific Marine Life Surveys, Port Coquitlam, CanadaPacific Marine Life SurveysPort CoquitlamCanada
| | - Philip Lambert
- Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, CanadaRoyal British Columbia MuseumVictoriaCanada
| | - Neil McDaniel
- McDaniel Photography, Vancouver, CanadaMcDaniel PhotographyVancouverCanada
| | - Jessica Scott
- Ocean Wise, Vancouver, CanadaOcean WiseVancouverCanada
| | - Brian M. Starzomski
- University of Victoria, Victoria, CanadaUniversity of VictoriaVictoriaCanada
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Ekström B. A niche of their own: variations of information practices in biodiversity citizen science. JOURNAL OF DOCUMENTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jd-07-2021-0146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeInformation practices become highly complex in biodiversity citizen science projects due to the projects’ large scale, distributed setting and vast inclusion of participants. This study aims to contribute to knowledge concerning what variations of information practices can be found in biodiversity citizen science and what these practices may mean for the overall collaborative biodiversity data production in such projects.Design/methodology/approachFifteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants engaged with the Swedish biodiversity citizen science information system Artportalen. The empirical data were analysed through a practice-theoretical lens investigating information practices in general and variations of practices in particular.FindingsThe analysis shows that the nexus of biodiversity citizen science information practices consists of observing, identifying, reporting, collecting, curating and validating species as well as decision-making. Information practices vary depending on participants’ technical know-how; knowledge production and learning; and preservation motivations. The study also found that reporting tools and field guides are significant for the formation of information practices. Competition was found to provide data quantity and knowledge growth but may inflict data bias. Finally, a discrepancy between practices of validating and decision-making have been noted, which could be mitigated by involving intermediary participants for mutual understandings of data.Originality/valueThe study places an empirically grounded information practice-theoretical perspective on citizen science participation, extending previous research seeking to model participant activities. Furthermore, the study nuances previous practice-oriented perspectives on citizen science by emphasising variations of practices.
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Diversity and abundance of tabanids in Northern Spain. Parasitol Res 2021; 121:87-96. [PMID: 34816299 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07357-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Tabanids (Diptera: Tabanidae) are large haematophagous flies that cause both direct (by biting nuisance) and indirect (primarily by mechanical transmission of diseases) damage to host species. Research studies on this family have received little attention in some parts of Europe. Our aims were to characterise the species richness, abundance, and peak of activity of tabanid fly species in a region of Northern Spain. Home-made canopy traps, sweep nets, and Malaise traps were employed for the collection of tabanids across four cattle farms, two equestrian centres, and two golf courses during a 3-month period in the summer of 2020. A total of 300 specimens of 27 tabanid species belonging to eight genera were identified. The most prevalent species were Haematopota pluvialis (23.3%), Tabanus eggeri (20.0%), and Tabanus bromius (8.0%). The former species was recorded biting humans and therefore should be considered of relevance to public health. Tabanids were more diverse and abundant in scrubland and grazing pastures [relative abundance (RA) = > 10%; species richness (S) = 8-12; Shannon-Index (H´) = 1.5 - 2.1] compared to crop landscapes (RA = < 1%; S = 0-1; H´ = 0) according to canopy traps. The tabanid population dynamics was determined to be short, with the greatest abundance and diversity concentrated in mid-late July. This study updates the checklist of this Diptera group in the Northern Spain from nine known extant species to 31 species, providing the first data on the summer peaks of activity of tabanids for this region.
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Peter M, Diekötter T, Kremer K, Höffler T. Citizen science project characteristics: Connection to participants' gains in knowledge and skills. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253692. [PMID: 34264962 PMCID: PMC8282002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biodiversity is being lost rapidly and its conservation is thus one of the most urgent tasks today. For biodiversity conservation to be successful, the public needs to gain an awareness and understanding of biodiversity and its importance. Moreover, species experts are needed who have the skills necessary for identifying and recording biodiversity. Previous research showed that citizen science projects can contribute to educating the public about biodiversity. However, it is still unclear how project characteristics connect to participants' knowledge and skills and how citizen science projects should be designed if they are to foster participants' learning. AIM We aimed to investigate specific characteristics of biodiversity citizen science projects that could potentially influence participants' learning. We explored the following project characteristics from both the project coordinators' and the participants' perspectives: information and training provided to participants, social interaction among participants, contact between participants and staff, and feedback and recognition provided to participants. METHODS AND RESULTS In order to examine the extent to which these project characteristics are connected to participants' gains in knowledge and skills, we conducted a comprehensive study across 48 biodiversity citizen science projects in Europe and Australia. We found that participants' perceived gains in knowledge and skills were significantly related to the five project characteristics as reported by the participants: information received by the participants, training received by the participants, social interaction among participants, contact between participants and staff, and feedback and recognition received by the participants. CONCLUSION We conclude that by deliberately designing citizen science projects to include features such as interaction and feedback, these projects could achieve higher learning outcomes for the participants. Thereby, suitable modes of communication between projects and their participants are crucial. We provide specific suggestions for the design of biodiversity citizen science projects and for future research on project characteristics and participant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Peter
- Department of Landscape Ecology, Institute for Natural Resource Conservation, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- IPN—Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tim Diekötter
- Department of Landscape Ecology, Institute for Natural Resource Conservation, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Kerstin Kremer
- Biology Education, IDN—Institute for Science Education, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tim Höffler
- IPN—Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Kiel, Germany
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