Four Smartfin surfers with surfboards and lab coats pose on the beach.

With Smartfin, Surfers Collect Ocean Data While They Hang Ten

Oceans give our world life. Phytoplankton breathe out 70 percent of our oxygen, and the oceans’  currents and other physical properties are responsible for our weather and climate. Scientists have long been keeping tabs on the ocean with vast networks of sensors, satellites and other equipment, in order to understand more about how it works … Read more “With Smartfin, Surfers Collect Ocean Data While They Hang Ten”

Categories: Ecology & Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water, Tools

As Ghost Forests Spread, Researchers Ask for Help Keeping Track

  Have you seen a ghost forest? As sea levels rise around the world, coastlines are increasingly marked by lingering stands of dead trees. The cause of death isn’t a mystery. Sea level rise is intensifying the effects of flooding and pushing saltwater into low lying coastal ecosystems. That saltwater kills the trees, leaving behind … Read more “As Ghost Forests Spread, Researchers Ask for Help Keeping Track”

Categories: Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water, Other

Dive Into Summer Citizen Science

This post was originally published as a SciStarter newsletter. Sign up to receive bi-weekly citizen science in your inbox! As we approach the Dog Days of Summer, Sirius, the dog star, makes its appearance in the northern hemisphere, bringing scorching heat, fever, mad dogs and bad luck. So it’s only sensible to take our CitSci activities … Read more “Dive Into Summer Citizen Science”

Categories: Citizen Science, Environment, Newsletter, Ocean & Water

Five Fin-tastic projects for Shark Week

The Discovery Channel’s popular Shark Week is July 28-August 4. Help scientists learn more about sharks through the projects we’ve tagged for you, below. This year, you can also help provide healthy ocean homes for sharks by joining the world’s largest volunteer effort for oceans: the International Coastal Cleanup. Cheers! The SciStarter Team

Categories: Animals, Biology, Citizen Science, Ecology & Environment, Education, Featured Projects, Newsletter, Ocean & Water, webinar

citizen science ocean sanctuaries

Diving into Citizen Science: The Origins of Ocean Sanctuaries

Since 2000, I’ve been an avid scuba diver in Southern California. When the Yukon, a 366 ft. long Canadian warship, sunk off the coast of San Diego in July of 2000, it became an artificial reef for divers to explore, piquing my interest in and igniting a lifelong passion for diving. In late 2006, my … Read more “Diving into Citizen Science: The Origins of Ocean Sanctuaries”

Categories: Citizen Science, CitSci Research, Ocean & Water

EarthEcho Water Challenge

Take Action with the EarthEcho Water Challenge to Protect Local Waterways!

Take action with the EarthEcho Water Challenge to collect and share water quality data. Then, work to protect your local water resources. About the EarthEcho Water Challenge On March 22, this year’s EarthEcho Water Challenge kicked off, empowering young people and community members around the world to monitor and protect local water resources in their … Read more “Take Action with the EarthEcho Water Challenge to Protect Local Waterways!”

Categories: EarthSchool, Environment, Ocean & Water

Make a Splash with Citizen Science!

This summer, whether you’re at home, fishing on a lake, or walking along the beach, consider getting involved in one or more of the citizen science projects featured below. Each one empowers us to keep an eye on the health of our water sources. Cheers! The SciStarter Team

Categories: Newsletter, Ocean & Water

Celebrate Earth Day with Citizen Science

Earth Day is April 22, 2019 so take a moment to celebrate our environment and learn more about the biodiversity around us. The first Earth Day was in 1970, and was started to bring attention to environmental protection and preservation. We’ve selected a few projects related to environmental protection and a global event to participate … Read more “Celebrate Earth Day with Citizen Science”

Categories: Citizen Science Day, Environment, Events, Featured Projects, Nature & Outdoors, Newsletter, Ocean & Water, Science Cheerleaders, SciFests

Kauai Blue Water Task Force

The Kauai Blue Water Task Force releases their annual water quality report.

The Surfrider Foundation is an international non-profit organization that is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s ocean, waves, and beaches. The Surfrider Foundation works with a large network of grassroots environmentalists, who serve as a first line of response for water quality monitoring on the coastline. The Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) … Read more “The Kauai Blue Water Task Force releases their annual water quality report.”

Categories: Chemistry, Environment, Ocean & Water, Project Profile

Blue Water Task Force expands its reach by teaming up with Swim Guide

Check out the Blue Water Task Force on SciStarter! The Surfrider Foundation is pleased to announce its participation in the first ever open data standard for the automated exchange of recreational water quality data. Recreational waters at ocean and freshwater beaches, lakes and rivers are monitored for harmful bacteria and pathogens that can threaten human … Read more “Blue Water Task Force expands its reach by teaming up with Swim Guide”

Categories: Environment, Nature & Outdoors, Ocean & Water