Empowering Citizen Scientists to Explore, Document, and Protect Our Oceans
San Diego, CA – March 12, 2025 – Ocean Sanctuaries, a nonprofit dedicated to marine citizen science, education, and outreach, is thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking Citizen Science Project focused on Artificial Reefs. This initiative invites divers, snorkelers, and marine enthusiasts to contribute valuable scientific data on marine life thriving in artificial reef environments—ensuring that conservation efforts are guided by real-world observations.
The project, inspired by the success of Ocean Sanctuaries’ HMCS Yukon Artificial Reef Monitoring Program, will engage volunteers in underwater biodiversity research, allowing participants to document species, track ecological changes, and contribute to global marine conservation efforts.
A Mission to Protect Marine Life Through Citizen Science
As climate change, habitat destruction, and overfishing continue to threaten marine ecosystems, artificial reefs have emerged as a vital tool for marine restoration and biodiversity support. However, ongoing monitoring is essential to understanding their long-term impact.
“Ocean Sanctuaries believes that anyone—not just professional scientists—can play a role in protecting the ocean,” said Michael Bear, co-founder of Ocean Sanctuaries and a leading advocate for marine citizen science. “With this project, we are inviting recreational divers, underwater photographers, and nature enthusiasts to become ‘ocean’s watchkeepers’—documenting marine life and contributing real data that can shape conservation policies.”
By harnessing the power of citizen science, Ocean Sanctuaries aims to create a sustainable, data-driven approach to monitoring artificial reefs, ensuring that these structures truly support marine ecosystems rather than causing unintended harm.
How the Project Works: A Hands-On Approach to Ocean Conservation
Participants in this initiative will survey artificial reefs by:
- Capturing high-resolution images and videos of marine species encountered during dives.
- Logging observations in iNaturalist, a widely recognized biodiversity tracking platform.
- Tracking ecological changes over time to assess the reef’s effectiveness in supporting marine biodiversity.
- Collaborating with marine scientists, conservationists, and other citizen scientists to analyze findings.
This effort builds on Ocean Sanctuaries' previous artificial reef studies, including long-term research on the HMCS Yukon, a sunken Canadian warship off the coast of San Diego that has become a thriving artificial reef.
Why Artificial Reefs Matter: The Bigger Picture
Artificial reefs serve multiple functions:
- Marine Habitat Expansion – They provide shelter and breeding grounds for fish, invertebrates, and other marine life.
- Coastal Protection – Artificial reefs help mitigate coastal erosion by stabilizing sediment and reducing wave energy.
- Fisheries Enhancement – By attracting fish populations, artificial reefs can support sustainable fisheries.
- Diver & Ecotourism Hotspots – These structures create underwater attractions that support local economies through responsible marine tourism.
However, not all artificial reefs are created equal. Without proper monitoring, they may fail to support biodiversity or even cause environmental damage. This is why ongoing data collection is crucial—and where citizen scientists come in.
Who Can Participate? Join the Movement!
Ocean Sanctuaries welcomes divers, marine biologists, conservationists, and ocean lovers of all backgrounds to participate. No scientific degree is required—just a passion for the ocean and a willingness to contribute.
📌 Who is eligible?
- Scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers with an interest in marine life.
- Underwater photographers eager to contribute their images to science.
- Educators, students, and conservationists looking for hands-on research experience.
📌 How to get involved?
- Register for the project on Ocean Sanctuaries’ website.
- Participate in free online training sessions on marine species identification and data submission.
- Log your observations on iNaturalist and help build a valuable scientific database.
Expanding the Reach: Citizen Science Beyond the Reef
This project is part of a larger movement to make marine research accessible to all. Ocean Sanctuaries has previously led Shark Identification Studies, Bioblitz Events, and Coastal Monitoring Projects. Through these programs, volunteers have helped document critical changes in marine life populations, proving that citizen science is a powerful tool for ocean conservation.
To further its mission, Ocean Sanctuaries is also partnering with leading marine research organizations, including the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
“Ocean science has traditionally been confined to labs and universities,” said Elizabeth Mayes, a marine scientist at Ocean Sanctuaries. “But thanks to technological advancements and community engagement, we are democratizing science—giving everyday people the tools to make a difference.”
The Impact: Data That Drives Change
The collected data from this initiative will be shared with:
- Marine scientists and conservation organizations to aid in reef management strategies.
- Local and national policymakers to guide environmental legislation.
- Global biodiversity networks like GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility), ensuring the data is accessible to researchers worldwide.
By participating in this project, divers and ocean lovers become part of a global effort to protect marine life—not just for today, but for generations to come.
Support the Cause: Donate, Volunteer, or Spread the Word
Ocean Sanctuaries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to marine conservation and citizen science. To support projects like this, consider:
- 🌊 Making a tax-deductible donation to fund training, equipment, and research.
- 🌊 Volunteering your time to help with outreach and data analysis.
- 🌊 Sharing the project on social media to inspire more citizen scientists.
💙 Together, we can turn passion into impact.
For more information, visit www.oceansanctuaries.org or follow us on social media @OceanSanctuaries.
#DiveIntoDiscovery #CitizenScience #ArtificialReefs #OceanConservation #BeAnOceanGuardian
About Ocean Sanctuaries
Founded by Michael Bear and Barbara Lloyd, Ocean Sanctuaries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering citizen scientists to protect our oceans through education, research, and community engagement. By providing accessible tools and training, Ocean Sanctuaries ensures that anyone with a passion for marine conservation can contribute to meaningful scientific research.
Media Contact:
Ocean Sanctuaries
Barbara Lloyd
Phone: +1.858.633.7305
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.oceansanctuaries.org