#noaacitizenscience

[noaasanctuaries]

Urban runoff is one of the leading sources of pollution into coastal waters. Urban Watch citizen science volunteers collect water samples and conduct basic field analysis to detect pollutants.

These citizen scientists in Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary work with staff to collect important data during a trash assessment. In celebration of National Citizen Science Month, consider joining an effort in your local community to help NOAA scientists answer real-world questions to help with resource protection! (Photo: Lisa Emanuelson/NOAA. Image description: Volunteers crouch over a pile of debris to inspect the contents.)

[noaasanctuaries]

Expert birders (or those interested in learning) help collect data on migratory seabirds in the Northeast as Stellwagen Bank Seabird Stewards.

The citizen science data collected is used to compare the relative abundance of seabirds over time to help understand populations, their possible impacts on local ecosystems, and detect changes in the environment, particularly in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. In celebration of Citizen Science Month, learn more about how you can get involved in your community! (Photo: Evelyn Ganson/NOAA. Image description: Five adults on a boat looking out over the water through binoculars.)