INCLUSION OF CITIZEN SCIENCE IN A SCOUTING PROGRAM – JOHN PRING, SCOUTS AUSTRALIA, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

Through active participation in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Eye-on-the-Reef program (http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/our-work/our-programs-and-projects/eye-on-the-reef) the project seeks to encourage the inclusion of Citizen Science within the new aquatic element of the Scouts Australia awards scheme. Using the impetus of the recent introduction of Scuba and Snorkelling within the new Scouts Australia awards scheme, leaders and young adult members will dive and snorkel with a science focus and purpose. Specifically, Scouts act as data gatherers about reef health, marine animals and incidents, while participating in their Scout scuba and snorkelling activities. In this way, Scouts will be simultaneously participating in citizen science, contributing their observations to the evidence base used by the GBRMPA in their work monitoring and assessing threats to the Reef. Through GBRMPA the survey results will be made available for using in monitoring reef health and for international research. The project will also include discussions and presentations on the potential to include Citizen Science in their local environment.

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