WHAT INSPIRES THE PEOPLE INVOLVED IN CITIZEN SCIENCE PROJECTS?
Connor Barlow
ANGLER AND FISHING ROD REPAIR SPECIALIST
‘I’m addicted to fishing and I’m concerned about our marine environment and fish stocks. I feel like I am doing my bit to help inform scientists by joining the ORItag citizen science project so that they can advise the government and marine protection organisations on the best way to ensure that line fishing, which is a hobby for some but a livelihood for others, can remain sustainable.’
Phumza Jongihlathi
TWO OCEANS AQUARIUM MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR
‘I love the environment and I feel like the ocean is in desperate need of our help – it’s said that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. I feel that if we don’t do something now, we would have failed. We need the community to join us in events like beach clean-ups as this is everyone’s problem.’
Mike Barron
COURSE DIRECTOR AT CAPE RADD
‘There’s a feel-good factor and a sense of fulfilment when people contribute directly to shark research on a Saturday morning’s snorkel trip. Observing them validates the concept of citizen science and I’m inspired watching guests respond to and engage with the environment as they begin to understand it better.’