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Short Abstract

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.