Results for: Citizen Science

Atlas Ocean Voyages has partnered with the Global Penguin Society and ORCA, leading marine conservation organizations, to enhance wildlife exploration and conservation efforts on its expedition cruises. Guests aboard the World Navigator’s Antarctica expedition in November 2024 will gain expert insights from Global Penguin Society conservationists, delve into penguin research, and support their mission to safeguard all 18 penguin species. Additionally, Atlas Ocean Voyages continues its collaboration with ORCA, involving guests as citizen scientists in marine conservation projects during the World Voyager’s Arctic expeditions. These partnerships underscore Atlas Ocean Voyages’ commitment to wildlife conservation and inspiring guests to actively participate in preserving marine ecosystems.

Millions of grunions, hotdog-shaped fish, have descended upon California beaches for their annual mating ritual, known as the “grunion run”. This unique spectacle occurs from February to September, with a peak from April to June. During this time, the fish come ashore during full or new moons and burrow into the sand to lay their eggs, which are then fertilized by the males. Citizen scientists, known as “grunion greeters,” observe and report on the fascinating mating ritual at over 50 California beaches. The data they gather helps scientists study the fish, which are difficult to count at sea. The species is facing threats from environmental factors such as beach erosion, climate change, and predators. Despite these challenges, the grunions’ annual mating ritual remains a captivating natural phenomenon.

A citizen science survey involving the counting of squashed bugs on car number plates has revealed a startling 78% decline in flying insects across the UK since 2004. This dramatic reduction is a ‘red flag’ for the state of nature and highlights the urgent need for action to protect insects, which play crucial roles in pollination, pest control, and nutrient recycling.

A citizen science survey led by Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife has revealed a 78% decline in “bug splats” on number plates across the UK since 2004. The survey, which asks members of the public to record the number of flying insects squashed on their number plates, has analyzed data from almost 26,500 journeys across the UK since its inception in 2004. The findings show that England experienced an alarming fall of 83% between 2004 and 2023, while Wales and Scotland registered declines of 79% and 76%, respectively. Northern Ireland saw a 54% decline between 2021 and 2023. Conservationists warn that the dramatic falls in flying insects are a “red flag” for the state of nature in the UK and should not be ignored.

The venerable Hubble Space Telescope, known for its remarkable astronomical discoveries, has once again proven its scientific prowess by uncovering a new sample of over 1,000 asteroids. This discovery was made possible through the collaborative efforts of citizen scientists, astronomers from the European Space Agency (ESA), and machine learning algorithms, marking a significant advancement in the field of asteroid detection and analysis.