Citizen Science Engagement – January 2025

jan2 (1)

Project Overview/Introduction

The International SeaKeepers Society (SeaKeepers) proudly recognizes the following DISCOVERY Vessels for their involvement in Citizen Science initiatives throughout January 2026. Our Citizen Science program engages yacht owners, boaters, and crew in global ocean conservation by supporting marine research through data collection during regular voyages. These meaningful expeditions do not require scientists onboard and instead rely on community participation to contribute to ongoing oceanographic research and environmental monitoring efforts.

Seabed 2030 Project

The following DISCOVERY Vessels enrolled in support of the Seabed 2030 initiative, helping to map the ocean floor in support of The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project.

Vessel Name Location Chapter
Odisea Antigua UK
Latitude Antigua UK
Hamiruma Antigua UK
Alpenglow Antigua UK
Carina Antigua UK
XoXo Antigua UK
Viva Antigua UK
K Arete Antigua UK
Humerous Antigua UK
Vesper Antigua UK
Viva La Vida Antigua UK
Non ferrous Antigua UK

ORCA OceanWatchers

The following DISCOVERY Vessels enrolled in support of ORCA OceanWatchers, a citizen science program that uses a mobile app and online training to help participants collect data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises. This data supports marine habitat monitoring and the identification of key areas for protection.

Vessel Name Location Chapter
CV UNICEF Antigua UK
XOXO Antigua UK
ODISEA Antigua UK
AGRETE Antigua UK
Welcome Antigua UK
Pura vida Antigua UK
Hamiruma Antigua UK
Viva la Vida Antigua UK
Humerus Antigua UK
Endeavor Antigua UK
Latitude Antigua UK
Viva Antigua UK

CoralWatch

The following DISCOVERY Vessels enrolled in support of CoralWatch by recording coral health using a standardized color chart. These observations help track bleaching events and support global reef conservation efforts.

Vessel Name Location Chapter
Welcome Antigua UK
Arete Antigua UK
Odisea Antigua UK
Latitude Antigua UK
Alpenglow Antigua UK
Pura Vida Antigua UK

Neuston Net Research Collective

The following DISCOVERY Vessels enrolled in support of the Neuston Net Research Collective by collecting samples of neustonic organisms, plankton, algae, plastics, or seawater. These data contribute to studies on ocean surface biodiversity and pollution.

Vessel Name Location Chapter
Elan Florida HQ

Shark Observations with The Shark Trust

The following DISCOVERY Vessels enrolled in support of The Shark Trust’s Shark Log citizen science initiative, which collects global sightings data of sharks, skates, and rays. By recording observations through the Shark Trust app or website, participants contribute to a year-round database that improves understanding of species distribution, seasonal presence, and population trends while advancing elasmobranch conservation worldwide.

Vessel Name Location Chapter
Elan Florida UK

The Shark Trust’s Great Eggcase Hunt

The following DISCOVERY Vessels enrolled in support of the Shark Trust’s longest-running flagship initiative, the Great Eggcase Hunt. This global citizen science project engages beachgoers, divers, and snorkelers in searching for and reporting shark and skate eggcases (mermaid’s purses) found ashore or observed underwater. Collected data help identify nursery habitats, track species presence, and support long-term conservation efforts.

Vessel Name Location Chapter
Elan Florida HQ

The Ocean Cleanup Research Programme: Tracking Plastic Pollution with AI Cameras

The following DISCOVERY Vessels enrolled in support of The Ocean Cleanup Research Programme, which uses AI-powered camera systems to monitor and map floating plastic pollution. The Automated Debris Imaging System (ADIS) captures surface imagery, identifies plastic types, and records location data that are uploaded to centralized databases when vessels return to port. These data help locate plastic hotspots and inform more effective ocean cleanup strategies.

Vessel Name Location Chapter
Seeker Caribbean HQ

We would also like to acknowledge the following individuals for their valuable contributions to this project:

Karen Angle

Photo Gallery