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 Citizen Science at NOAA How "crowdsourcing" contributes to research and outreach  The idea behind citizen science is that anyone, anywhere, can participate in meaningful scientific research.  Public  participation in scientific research is a growing trend in our increasingly  “crowdsourced” world. Citizen science, as it is called,  typically involves data collection by members of the public  who pass their information along to researchers trying to answer real-world  questions. Volunteer  monitoring has contributed for many years to diverse fields ranging from astronomy  to medicine and computer science to natural resource management. Volunteers  benefit from opportunities for informal education, while contributing to outreach  efforts that promote public understanding of scientific issues. Citizen Science at NOAA A  NOAA Citizen Science Community of  Practice was launched in the fall of 2013 to promote sharing and collaboration among  projects. This effort relies on grassroots participation and focuses on three  elements: compiling and sharing best practices, sharing resources, and creating  a searchable database of NOAA's citizen science projects. Currently, more than 65 citizen science projects within NOAA provide  opportunities for people to engage in scientific investigation. At NOS, popular citizen science projects include: Citizen Science Water Level Application
             A citizen science application to report water levels is available online, anyone can submit a water level report from their mobile device. This application collects photographs and associated GPS locations of water levels. Learn more.
           
           
            Marine Debris Monitoring Toolbox
               The Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project, or MDMAP, is a citizen science initiative that engages NOAA partners and volunteers across the nation to survey and record the amount and types of marine debris on shorelines.  Learn more.
           
						
						
            Elkhorn Slough Research, Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring
               Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve,  the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, and the Monterey County Water Resources Agency  have supported this volunteer water monitoring program since 1988. Learn more.
            Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary Beach Watch
               For  nearly 22 years, Beach Watch volunteers have conducted bi-monthly surveys of  150 miles of the California coast. Learn more.
            LiMPETS
               The Long-term  Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students) is an environmental monitoring and education program involves  students, educators, and volunteer groups across California. Learn more.
            Marine Debris  Tracker
              This mobile application lets people report litter on the water  anywhere in the world. Learn more.
            Phytoplankton  Monitoring Network
             This volunteer network was established  to monitor marine phytoplankton and harmful algal  blooms. Learn more.

						            Reef Monitoring in Guam
               The Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program (GCCRMP), launched in 2012, is highly active in the community and continues to grow in its outreach and reef management capabilities every year.  Learn more.
               
               						            Channel Islands Naturalist Corps
               The Channel Islands Naturalist Corps, a joint volunteer program between Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Channel Islands National Park, offers a new training class every two years. Learn more.
  Get **Social**   More **Information**  NOAA Citizen science and crowdsourcing

                Marine Debris  Monitoring and Assessment Program
        National Marine Sanctuaries Volunteering
        How You Can Help National Estuarine Research Reserves
        Marine Debris Solutions
        GPS on Bench Marks
        Phytoplankton Monitoring Network
        NOAA Office of  Education   Contact Us


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