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Citizen science enhances marine monitoring by engaging communities. A survey of 102 divers in Portugal’s Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park showed strong interest in recording biodiversity but limited platform use. Unlocking this potential supports co-production, conservation and participation.

Abstract

Marine ecosystems face rising pressures from climate change and human activity, demanding more inclusive and adaptive monitoring approaches. Citizen science offers a promising pathway to expand biodiversity data collection, while fostering community participation and ecological awareness. This study explored the potential of recreational divers as contributors to citizen science initiatives in the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, a marine protected area on Portugal’s mainland coast. An online survey gathered 102 valid responses, providing insights into divers’ sociodemographic profiles, diving practices, motivations, and species-recording habits. Respondents generally had significant diving experience, high educational levels, and expressed strong interest in documenting marine biodiversity. Despite this willingness, actual use of citizen science platforms to share observations remained limited, highlighting the gap between potential and practice. These results underscore the need for targeted strategies, such as training opportunities, tailored feedback, and integration with formal monitoring programs, to engage divers more effectively. By connecting recreational diving and scientific research, citizen science can enhance marine biodiversity knowledge, strengthen conservation strategies, and contribute to more resilient marine ecosystems. Importantly, it also builds participatory pathways where citizens become active partners in co-producing knowledge. This case study illustrates how mobilizing divers’ contributions can help translate marine citizen science “from data to action,” aligning with the broader goals of Blue Participation.

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ICEBERG combines technology and community action to monitor Arctic beach litter via cameras, drones, and interactive mapping. Citizen data and AI enable automated litter detection, while geolocated observations highlight local engagement. Challenges and opportunities for public engagement are shown

Abstract

The ICEBERG project (2024-2026) takes a multidisciplinary approach to marine citizen science combining automated monitoring technologies with community-driven environmental monitoring and action across Northeast Iceland and South Greenland through three methods: time-lapse camera systems, drone-based monitoring, and an interactive online mapping platform to document beach litter in the Arctic. A network of 14 time-lapse cameras was developed and deployed in collaboration with residents, NGOs, and community groups in Iceland. These systems continuously capture visual data to feed into the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model for automatic beach litter detection. Citizen scientists are central to this process: they help install and maintain the cameras, conduct field tests to train the AI, and take part in hands-on workshops where they learn how to build and use simple AI models for environmental monitoring. Community members in Iceland and Greenland have undertaken EASA-certified drone training, empowering them to conduct litter-monitoring flights. These citizen-led missions generate imagery for machine learning models and expands spatial coverage across difficult-to-reach coastlines. Citizen-generated data and drone footage are merged with machine learning algorithms in the Coastal Marine Litter Observatory for detecting, mapping, and visualizing marine litter in dynamic coastal litter distribution maps. The open-source uMap platform strengthens community involvement by enabling anyone to geolocate, describe, and share multimedia observations of marine litter, including photos and pollution records. Since summer 2024, more than 200 community entries have been uploaded, reflecting strong local engagement and a growing sense of ownership in environmental observation. These collective efforts highlight the potential of citizen-driven approaches to produce high-quality marine litter data, build local monitoring capacity, and foster sustainable stewardship of Arctic coastal ecosystems. The project also examines the challenges and opportunities of maintaining long-term, meaningful public participation in citizen science, particularly in balancing local motivations, technical skills, and data quality needs.

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This presentation highlights the topic of marine pollution in the Arctic, and the ways community based participatory research with local indigenous and non-indigenous communities, and citizen science conducted with school pupils and other local experts, may be used in tackling the pollution issue.

Abstract

ArcSolution is a transdisciplinary project that aims to reduce pollution in the Arctic using a comprehensive approach that considers both environmental and human health. Pollution in the Arctic is a big problem and it harms the environment and the health of the people and animals there. Climate change causes ice to melt, which releases harmful pollutants, and new pollutants are entering the area because of human activity. The result is severe problems for the plants and animals, water and food security, and the local communities. ArcSolution is working to solve these problems. The project uses the latest science and works with the people who live in the Arctic to find the best solutions. The project studies pollutants like organic chemicals, heavy metals, microplastics, and pathogens, and the oceans and other water bodies are central contexts, where these pollutants are studied. The goal is to create sustainable solutions that involve communities in protecting the environment and human health.

ArcSolution projects is conducted in several Arctic study locations in Norway, Svalbard, Finland, Greenland, Faroe Islands and Canada. In this presentation we offer an outline of the topic of marine pollution in the Arctic, specifically in ArcSolution study locations, and the ways community based participatory research with local indigenous and non-indigenous communities, and citizen science conducted with school pupils and other local experts are used in ArcSolution in tackling the pollution issue.

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In the 'Plastic Pirates – German Coast' citizen science project, pupils collected data on beach litter and discussed their findings in focus groups. Combining natural and social sciences, we examined how young individuals perceive and value the plastic crisis and their proposed solutions.

Abstract

As part of the citizen science project 'Plastic Pirates – German Coast', young people were actively involved in collecting data on plastic waste on beaches and were also invited to reflect critically on their scientific findings. In this way, we combined approaches from the natural and social sciences. To achieve this, we ran moderated focus groups with school classes in northern Germany who had previously surveyed a stretch of beach near their school for litter, particularly plastic litter. Guided by scientists, the young people discussed the results of their investigation, its social relevance and how it fits into a wider global context, as well as possible solutions for reducing plastic pollution. This approach creates a protected space in the often tightly scheduled school day for pupils to engage in critical thinking and develop interdisciplinary perspectives and a deeper understanding of ecological relationships and solution levels.

On the other hand, we used this approach to examine young people's perceptions and perspectives on the plastic crisis. We examine what narratives shape their understanding of the problem, how they assess the causes and responsibilities of plastic pollution, the larger context in which they view the waste 'on their doorstep', the possible solutions they recognise and prioritise, and the political measures they prioritise. Thus, we investigate the participants’ perceptions and environmental values. The findings of eight focus groups conducted in four schools during spring 2024 and 2025 will be presented.

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Schools and communities in the Mexican Caribbean monitor sargassum with CoastSnap to build environmental literacy and adaptive capacity. This participatory, low-cost citizen science links local action with a nuisance seaweed international school network for shared learning and resilience.

Abstract

Pelagic sargassum influxes across the tropical Atlantic have intensified in recent years, creating ecological stress and socio-economic challenges for coastal communities. These recurring events disrupt tourism, fisheries, and local livelihoods from western Africa to the western Caribbean, highlighting the need for participatory monitoring and adaptive management. This project is focused on the Mexican Caribbean and explores how community-based and educational citizen science can bridge data gaps, foster environmental literacy, and inform local action. We co-designed seven permanent volunteer monitoring stations with schools and community groups, training teachers, students (ages 11–18), and residents to use CoastSnap (a low-cost, participatory approach for documenting shoreline change and sargassum beaching events). These observations generate valuable, location-specific data on sargassum seasonality and impacts, addressing monitoring gaps in data-sparse coastal areas. Embedding these activities into school curricula further strengthens local capacity, empowering youth and educators as blue citizen scientists who link science learning with real-world adaptation. Findings show that community-led, low-tech monitoring enhances public understanding of environmental change while generating actionable knowledge to guide locally appropriate adaptation strategies. This participatory framework aims to demonstrate how inclusive citizen science can convert grassroots data into governance-relevant insights, contributing to coastal resilience. The Mexican initiative forms part of a broader Seaweed School and Community Network, connecting similar efforts in Ghana, Jamaica, and the United Kingdom. Together, these collaborations illustrate how accessible tools and shared learning pathways can promote equitable participation and strengthen blue citizen science across diverse coastal regions.

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DiverSea uses blue citizen science to engage communities from Norway   to Africa in marine biodiversity monitoring, improving data quality, ocean literacy, and policy relevance while turning collective observations into action for ocean conservation.

Abstract

Changes driven by increasing human activity, and emerging pollutants are placing intense pressure on marine ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them. Addressing these challenges demands reliable biodiversity data and inclusive monitoring approaches that link scientific knowledge with local experience. Citizen Science Initiatives provide a powerful means to bridge data gaps, foster community engagement, and translate collective observations into meaningful conservation action.

DiverSea harnesses blue citizen science across diverse marine contexts—from Portugal and Norway to Turkey and Africa—to co-produce knowledge and strengthen marine conservation. By involving coastal communities, divers and volunteers in biodiversity assessments and water-quality monitoring, DiverSea enhances data quality, methodological rigor, and transdisciplinary collaboration. The initiative integrates community-based observations with digital and technological tools to make marine research more participatory, accessible, and policy-relevant.

DiverSea’s objectives include: (1) advancing ocean literacy and empowering local communities; (2) improving the reliability and richness of biodiversity data; (3) fostering collaboration between scientists, citizens, and policymakers; and (4) promoting science-based, inclusive solutions to biodiversity loss.

By connecting science, society, and governance, DiverSea demonstrates how blue citizen science can turn data into action—bridging participatory ideals with practical monitoring, and supporting more resilient and equitable marine ecosystems and communities.

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Marine citizen science is limited by access and reporting gaps. Our nationwide eDNA projects engage students in sampling, analysis, and interpretation, achieving 72% success. They produce reliable data for conservation, early-warning, and policy, fostering ocean literacy and community stewardship.

Abstract

Citizen science has traditionally excelled in large-scale biodiversity monitoring. However, marine citizen science faces challenges due to limited accessibility and the absence of well-developed reporting systems compared to terrestrial programs. Moreover, genuine co-production—where participants engage in all stages of the scientific process—remains rare. At the same time, accelerating environmental change and cumulative human pressures on marine ecosystems demand scalable, inclusive, and high-quality monitoring frameworks.

We have developed a series of nation-wide projects demonstrating how environmental DNA (eDNA) methods can be integrated into participatory frameworks that extend beyond sampling to include molecular analysis and data interpretation. These projects have had more than 10.000 high school students participating over a total of ten years. Anchored at the Natural History Museum of Denmark and developed in collaboration with the Society of Danish Biologists, these initiatives engage high school students and teachers in collecting, extracting, and analyzing eDNA from marine and coastal environments. Citizen scientists achieved a 72% analytical success rate—comparable to trained researchers—showing that community participants can produce scientifically robust data suitable for national-scale species monitoring.

Our case studies illustrate how citizen-led eDNA data can contribute to early-warning systems, inform conservation, detect invasive or toxic species, and strengthen policy-relevant marine management. Together, these projects demonstrate that when rigorous protocols and training are paired with local ownership, citizen science can simultaneously generate high-quality ecological data and foster ocean literacy, community engagement, and shared stewardship. They exemplify a pathway toward inclusive, technologically advanced “blue citizen science,” where distributed molecular monitoring supports both scientific and societal resilience in rapidly changing marine environments.

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This paper shows challenges and opportunities for Marine Citizen Science (MCS) to overcome current contributory models, and it draws actionable strategies to advance CS data quality together with more meaningful blue participation entailing co-design, co-production, and co-ownership.

Abstract

Marine Citizen Science (MCS) operates within a persistent tension between democratic-participatory ideals and prevailing practices. While CS traditionally emphasizes broad public engagement, MCS increasingly prioritizes digital data collection through platforms, apps, and social media or the use of data collection tools like remote sensors, autonomous vehicles, and eDNA etc. requiring minimal involvement from volunteer citizens.

This shift raises critical questions about the role of citizen scientists and how their contributions are validated as scientific knowledge. The paper draws on expert consultation workshops conducted in the EU-funded OBAMA Next project (Fall 2024), which explored challenges and opportunities for MCS in the digital era.

Key findings reveal that MCS is shaped by a narrow vision that values inexpensive data production over meaningful blue participation. Although advanced technologies expand the spatial-temporal scope of research, they constrain interactions between volunteers and researchers, limiting the understanding of each other’s motivations. Furthermore, the pursuit of large, standardized datasets integrating CS data can overlook peripheral or local ecological concerns while reducing volunteers’ emotional engagement. Finally, volunteer participants’ contributions are frequently anonymous and under-recognized, with limited feedback beyond initial phases.

Similar practices risk undermining long-term engagement, which is essential for sustained CS data production and the devising of wide-ranging MCS models.

To address these challenges, this paper advocates for genuinely participatory rather than contributory science approaches that emphasize co-design, co-production, and co-ownership. Such models can foster deeper collaboration, enhance data quality, and ensure that MCS become a truly democratic and empowering tool for blue governance research (and beyond).

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Biodiversity conservation is dynamic, so biodiversity research requires flexibility to address emergent needs. I explore the untapped potential that citizen science offers for flexibility, presenting key sources of flexibility in citizen science and common strategies for leveraging this flexibility.

Abstract

The dynamic nature of biodiversity conservation and management demands flexibility in biodiversity research. Yet in practice there are many barriers to research flexibility, so it is important to find new ways to foster flexibility in conservation research. I report here on recent work proposing that citizen science offers untapped potential for research flexibility. I drew on diverse examples of citizen science programs to outline five underlying attributes that generate a strong innate capacity for flexibility in citizen science and eight common modes by which the capacity for flexibility is often manifested. By shining a light on some these sources and modes of research flexibility in citizen science, I hope to establish a shared frame of reference for researchers and practitioners in both conservation and citizen science to explore untapped potential for addressing emergent research needs. I will also discuss trade-offs for citizen science programs that are considering opportunities to practice flexibility, as well as ways that these programs might leverage the capacity for flexibility to meet additional program objectives. Finally, I will close with an overview of some key considerations for conservation researchers and professional associations looking to collaborate with citizen science programs to address emerging research needs.

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The Ocean Race integrates science, education, and policy to advance ocean conservation. Through global data collection, youth education, and advocacy for Ocean Rights, the Race demonstrates how competitive sailing can accelerate marine research and inspire worldwide stewardship.

Abstract

The Ocean Race, one of the world’s most demanding round-the-world sailing competitions, has become a pioneering platform for ocean science, education, and advocacy. Its Science Program equips racing yachts with compact, high-precision instruments that collect crucial data on temperature, salinity, CO₂, and dissolved oxygen, particularly in under-sampled regions such as the Southern Ocean. During the 2023 edition, over four million data points were gathered across 32,000 miles, complemented by surface drifters, microplastic samplers, eDNA collectors, and phytoplankton imagers—turning racing boats into “vessels of opportunity” for global ocean monitoring.

Collaborating with leading research institutes and international programs (inclusing GEOMAR, NOAA, NOC, Ifremer, VLIZ, MPI, CNRS, ICM-CSIC, MeteoFrance, Citizens Of The Sea, OceanOPS, GOOS, EU MINKE, E-SurfMar, GOOD, and SOOP), the initiative has advanced the co-development of robust, low-impact instruments suited to the extreme demands of offshore racing. The program now extends beyond the Race itself, with instruments redeployed across transatlantic regattas and private expeditions, ensuring continuity and open data flow into global observing networks.

In parallel, The Ocean Race runs a global learning program engaging youth on topics such as climate change, marine biodiversity, and plastic pollution, aligning with the UN Decade of Ocean Science. Moreover, its advocacy for the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights aims to establish legal recognition of the ocean’s intrinsic right to thrive. Together, these actions show how a sporting event can transcend competition—uniting science, education, and governance to inspire collective responsibility for the ocean.

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The Citizens4Water platform has gone live in pre-launch (www.citizens4water.org). By the conference, the platform should be tested and filled with input. In this workshop we would like to hightlight the platform to the community, and gather input on the long term vision for the platform.

Abstract

The Flemish knowledge center for citizen science, Scivil, is developing a global repository of citizen science initiatives in freshwater management and hydrology. This repository will (a) allow policy makers to consolidate knowledge from existing water management and hydrology projects from around the world, (b) facilitate researchers and project initiators to develop new or optimize current citizen science projects in water management and hydrology, and (c) identify gaps in current citizen science water management and hydrology practices.

The repository will be in the form of an online platform created for and by the community of actors working citizen science and water and will be embedded in the UNESCO IHP-IX program. It is created using a co-creative approach to make sure it offers an added value for those that will be using it. Throughout a series of workshops, different needs from the community have been captured and are used as a basis for the development of the platform.

With our participation in the workshop, we would like to showcase the platform to the European citizen science community. Additionally, if possible we can take this opportunity to gather input from the community on their projects and on potential opportunities and barriers they see to benefit from the platform on the longer term.

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Plastic Pirates Belgium engages youth in monitoring plastic pollution across Europe. The project highlights challenges in sustaining engagement, ensuring data quality, and fostering inclusivity, offering lessons for more equitable and impactful blue citizen science.

Abstract

Plastic Pirates Belgium is a citizen science initiative engaging young people in monitoring plastic pollution across European rivers and coastlines, thereby linking local action to continental-scale insights. While the project has demonstrated the power of collective effort, it also illustrates key challenges that resonate broadly within blue citizen science.

First, sustaining participant motivation over time requires balancing educational benefits with real impact, ensuring that young citizens feel their contributions matter beyond the sampling moment. Second, achieving and maintaining quality data suitable for purpose (i.e., litter monitoring) in a project spanning diverse cultural, language and educational contexts requires robust protocols, teachers’ support, and clear quality-control mechanisms supervised by experts. Finally, fostering inclusiveness remains a priority: participation must be accessible across linguistic, socioeconomic, and geographic barriers to truly represent Europe’s diverse context.

This contribution will reflect on the strategies employed and lessons learned from Plastic Pirates Belgium while inviting discussion on how the broader blue citizen science community can collectively address these three intertwined challenges. By confronting issues of engagement, data quality, and inclusivity, the project seeks to inform more sustainable and equitable citizen science practices for ocean and freshwater stewardship.

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Exploring the use of cost-effective and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) participatory technologies for long-term water quality monitoring to enhance coastal management and promote citizen engagement in urban marine environments.

Abstract

My motivation to participate in this workshop arises from the need to strengthen blue citizen science approaches that connect participatory monitoring, digital innovation, and environmental management. Through my work in the PITACORA project (ParticIpatory Technologies for sustAinable COastal monitoRing in urban Areas), I explore how Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and low-cost technologies can support long-term monitoring and improve data availability for informed coastal management, especially in urban coastal waters.

Our approach integrates citizen observations via participatory platforms such as MINKA, enabling communities to contribute valuable data aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The KduPRO instrument, developed at the Institute of Marine Sciences (CSIC), exemplifies this approach—an open, modular system measuring underwater irradiance, now being adapted with multispectral sensors for use in participatory contexts.

In the roundtable, I aim to contribute by sharing practical insights and challenges related to:

- deploying low-cost instruments in saline and dynamic environments,

- ensuring data quality and scientific reliability in citizen science, and

- fostering sustained public engagement through inclusive and co-created monitoring initiatives.

I hope to exchange experiences and learn from other initiatives addressing similar challenges in marine, coastal, and freshwater contexts, contributing to a broader reflection on how DIY technologies and participatory networks can empower communities toward sustainable ocean and water stewardship.

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Following a workshop implemented for DANUBE4all at the CS4Water Conference on "Co-creating tools for collective action", ZSI can provide insights into mapped barriers towards implementing CS4Water for different stakeholder groups, and their prioritization by a diverse group of participants.

Abstract

As part of the first CS4Water Conference (June 2025 in Delft), ZSI together with Pulsaqua implemented a workshop for the HEU-funded mission project DANUBE4all. For this workshop, we invited participants to reflect on the barriers encountered when doing citizen science in relation to aquatic ecosystems. Beyond showcasing the DANUBE4all project and the toolbox in development within the project, the workshop aimed to exchange experiences and leverage the wisdom of the crowd in order to collaboratively gain a better understanding of barriers for CS4Water. These barriers were also prioritized to allow for follow-up activities to work on solutions. ZSI can introduce these barriers and solutions in a structured way and support the workshop planning, implementation and on-site facilitation, or provide any other kind of support for this workshop.

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Citizen science can enhance awareness of the ecological value of riparian vegetation. Through the RiVe method, citizens help monitor riparian forests, reduce management biases, and support more sustainable and evidence-based river management policies.

Abstract

Rivers are natural connectors, linking mountains to plains and rural landscapes to urban areas—if they are allowed enough space to maintain their ecological functions. Despite the well-established importance of riparian vegetation for river health, biodiversity, and landscape stability, no European directive, including the Water Framework Directive (WFD), currently requires a mandatory assessment of riparian ecosystems.

In many countries, the management of riparian vegetation remains affected by misconceptions and biases, leading to unsustainable or counterproductive interventions. Citizen science offers an effective way to address this issue by engaging local communities in monitoring activities that combine environmental education, data collection, and advocacy for sustainable management practices.

This contribution presents preliminary results from the RiVe methodology, a participatory approach designed to assess the structure and ecological condition of riparian forests through citizen-based observations. The collected data were used to evaluate riparian vegetation health, identify pressures, and enhance public understanding of these transitional ecosystems.

The findings suggest that citizen participation not only improves the knowledge base on riparian zones but also fosters dialogue between citizens, researchers, and policymakers. Ultimately, this approach may contribute to highlighting the ecological and social relevance of riparian vegetation, promoting its integration into river management and restoration policies.

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The ProBleu project develops educational resources promoting water literacy through open schooling and citizen science. This study examines how schools integrate citizen science activities, analyses the platforms used, and evaluates changes in pupils' participation and literacy.

Abstract

The EU Mission “Restore our Ocean & Waters” (Mission Ocean) aims to protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity by preventing and eliminating pollution of oceans, seas, and water, thanks to integrated research, innovation, investment, and citizen participation. Ocean and water literacy among children and adolescents is essential for fostering informed environmental stewards and supporting the long-term goals of the Mission. The ProBleu project (Promoting Ocean and Water Literacy in School Communities), funded under the Horizon Europe programme (Project No. 101113001), develops educational resources and tools that promote knowledge of aquatic ecosystems through Open Schooling methodologies incorporating citizen science (CS) projects. This paper examines how ProBleu-funded school projects integrate CS components and contribute to Mission Ocean objectives. Using content analysis of school projects and an online survey of pupils, we (1) compare how schools across Europe and beyond design CS activities, (2) analyse which citizen science platforms and tools they use, and (3) evaluate schoolchildren's participation and literacy change. We also include a coarse descriptor of school-led dissemination (user-generated content) as a contextual factor. This indicator is used only as a control variable to explore associations with pupils’ perceived engagement. The results highlight diverse pathways through which CS supports environmental education, demonstrating its potential to enhance scientific engagement and civic responsibility while identifying challenges in sustaining meaningful youth involvement in science. Keywords: CS in schools; EU Mission; Restore our Ocean & Waters.

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Marine citizen science offers dual benefits of data collection and beneficial volunteer outcomes. Using Q methodology, this study explores the diverse opinions held on the role of marine citizen science in the UK and how this helps bridge the gap between practice and policy.

Abstract

Marine citizen science is a growing field offering opportunities for cost-effective data collection across varying temporal-spatial scales. It is used across many applications in monitoring and conservation efforts and there is growing awareness of positive outcomes for participants including increased connectedness to nature, community building and improving ocean literacy. However, when looking to integrate data sets within marine governance systems or research, projects face considerable barriers limiting the uptake and long-term use of data sets. Understanding how people view the role of marine citizen science projects is therefore essential for informing policy and practice, ensuring marine citizen science projects reach their full potential. Here, we use Q methodology to explore the different viewpoints held on the role of marine citizen science in the UK. Participants (n=23) took part in a structured rank sorting process of predetermined statements (n=31) derived from different opinions voiced about the role of marine citizen science. Combining factor analysis alongside qualitative data from a post-sort interview revealed patterns of consensus and divergence between discourse groups. The identification of key groups allows the differing opinions on the role of marine citizen science to be explored and provides novel insights into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of marine citizen science. This method demonstrates how understanding different viewpoints on the role of marine citizen science can help provide depth to our understanding of the role of marine citizen science and explore opportunities to develop strategies for inclusive and impactful engagement of marine citizen science projects with research and policy.

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Small Island States (SIS) face severe marine threats, creating critical data needs for effective governance. Citizen Science (CS) offers a participatory tool, but current research is skewed towards Western regions. This study reviews CS in SIS to share crucial insights into island peripheries.

Abstract

Small Island States (SIS) face disproportionate threats to their marine and coastal environments, making the collection of data critical for effective governance and management. Due to the pressing global need to address data gaps and engage citizens in science and policy, Citizen Science (CS) provides a valuable participatory approach to complement current environmental monitoring procedures. CS initiatives enable the public to participate in various stages of research whilst fostering new scientific discoveries and local knowledge. Current literature and reviews of marine and coastal CS have primarily focused on Western regions, whilst knowledge of CS within SIS is limited. The inherent vulnerabilities of SIS, such as remoteness, demographics, geography, and resource constraints, pose significant challenges for the consistent collection of robust marine and coastal data. Therefore, understanding SIS perspectives is crucial to fostering community participation in CS initiatives to strengthen environmental stewardship and protection. Through adopting the PRISMA 2020 framework, this research systematically examines three databases of 32 SIS. The results will show the current scope of CS campaigns in SIS to understand the barriers and motives for implementation and participation in marine and coastal contexts. This research forms part of the ‘MEDiverSEAty’ project for Marine Biodiversity Conservation and Ocean Literacy funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network.