WHO WE ARE - Plàncton Diving and Citizen Science

Citizen science has become an essential tool in modern research, involving the public in the collection and analysis of data to support a wide range of scientific studies. Volunteers contribute valuable information, enabling critical data collection and monitoring efforts. By engaging in citizen science, individuals play an active role in advancing scientific discovery and fostering greater community involvement in research.

Plàncton Diving, an association member of the Mediterranean Action Network, has demonstrated how citizen science can be applied to better understand the Mediterranean Sea and contribute to its protection. 

Here some projects:

1. BioMARató: A marine life photography competition where participants from Catalan coastal towns document marine species and upload their photos to an app called MINKA developed by the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC). The aim is to raise awareness and create a comprehensive biodiversity database.
2. Surfing for Science: In this project, surfers, kayakers, and paddleboarders collect microplastics from the Mediterranean using a specially designed net, assisting scientists from the University of Barcelona in gathering crucial data.
3. Sea Watchers: Volunteer divers collect marine samples along the coast of the Mediterranean sea, supporting scientific studies on marine ecosystems in partnership with the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC).
4. Petits científiques marines: an educational and recreational  summer camp in which participants learn about marine sea life through snorkeling tours and collaborating in citizen science projects. 

These initiatives empower individuals to actively participate in environmental protection while advancing scientific knowledge of the Mediterranean’s marine life. By engaging in citizen science, people play a vital role in shaping effective conservation strategies to preserve the region's delicate ecosystems. But also, during their participation on this initiatives, Plàncton Diving customers (divers and snorkelers) learn about Mediterranean marine biodiversity and its threats like microplastic pollution.

To learn more about these citizen science projects and how you can help protect the Mediterranean Sea, visit: https://www.planctondiving.cat/en/citizen-science/