Here’s a fun way you can participate in important scientific research that will help our understanding of marine life.
A website called Zooniverse hosts “citizen science” projects that are interactive and easy to understand. Some of the research being undertaken by scientists around the world produces huge amounts of data, far too much for a small team of people to process.
So, Zooniverse projects are designed for ordinary citizens with no scientific background to volunteer their time and work through the data, submitting their findings as they go. With thousands of people all working on one project, interesting patterns and important data can be more easily extracted.
The projects cover a range of topics, including astronomy, history, climatology and more. But since it’s the oceans we’re interested in, check out these marine-focused projects that you can dive into right now:
Hear whales communicate
You can help marine researchers understand what whales are saying by analysing the wave forms of recorded whale calls, and grouping similar recordings.
Help explore the ocean floor
Identify species and ground cover in images of the seafloor, and help create a library of seafloor life in the habitats along the United States’s north-east continental shelf.
Identifying different plankton types
Understanding where and when plankton occur at different depths in the ocean allows scientists to get a global understanding of the function and health of the ocean, on small to global scales.
Learn more at the Two Oceans Aquarium
Interested in environmental education? Great, because the Two Oceans Aquarium has an Environmental Education Centre, where we offer lessons for learners from pre-school to matric, adult courses and volunteering options. And, for under-resourced schools that can’t get to the Aquarium, we’ve got our Oceans In Motion outreach vehicle to bring the wonders of the sea to the classroom.
We also promote conservation and sustainability, and you can participate by reading our tips on going green.
Lastly, you can contribute to our education and conservation efforts by donating to the Two Oceans Aquarium via our online shop.
Happy sciencing!
Stay in touch: for daily Aquarium updates, follow us on Twitter (@2OceansAquarium) and become a fan on Facebook.
