Citizen Science programs are efficient in increasing awareness of marine environmental issues by the public engaging directly with the issue. As a result, the public feels a part of solving the issue, while scientists also receive adequate data and updates on the issue. One such CS program conducted regarding eutrophication was one led by the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. In this citizen science initiative, volunteer groups are trained with an online seminar to be able to identify 26 species of algae and report to the marine biotoxins program through an online database. Shellfish managers are notified to serve as a warning for human health impacts.
https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/national-phytoplankton-monitoring-network/
A part of our campaign is proposing a Citizen Science program through the University of Michigan, where volunteers can be trained to assess water quality and potential algal blooms present in the Huron river. This program will allow individuals from the U of M community to engage in a pressing yet distant issue by ensuring agricultural and land management strategies are up to par, as to not infect our connected lake/river/ocean system with harmful chemicals that result in eutrophication of marine areas down South.
https://www.a2gov.org/departments/systems-planning/planning-areas/water-resources/Documents/HRIMP_final_WithCostMatrix_02June2009.pdf
http://www.annarbor.com/health/huron-river-watershed-council-hopes-water-trail-will-boost-river-tourism/
