Co-creating and evaluating a citizen science program for monitoring submerged aquatic vegetation in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract

Research on submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) directly informs policy and management decisions in Chesapeake Bay; however, limitations to data collection capabilities of professional scientists have left knowledge gaps that hinder scientific research and management efforts. Experts have called upon volunteers to help collect the local-scale data that are necessary for understanding SAV growth and species distribution within one of the world’s largest estuaries. We collaborated with various environmental stakeholders, including SAV experts, volunteer monitoring coordinators, and citizen scientists, to design a multi-tiered monitoring protocol and training program for citizen scientists monitoring SAV in Chesapeake Bay. We employed a sequence of research approaches, which included online surveys, literature review, a pilot study, participant observation with volunteers in the field, and a protocol-testing workshop. From these approaches, we were able to better understand the stakeholders’ various needs and requirements for the Chesapeake Bay SAV Watchers program. Evaluative interviews helped us collect feedback on the process of developing the program, as well as on the program itself. We learned that the collaborative process of co-creating the monitoring program led to positive outcomes for the stakeholders involved, as well as for the perceived scientific rigor of the program. Furthermore, our use of science communication and user-centered design increased the program’s functionality and credibility. Finally, our interview results suggested that continuing to incorporate participants’ motivations into the program’s management will improve volunteer retention and therefore increase the program’s impact and longevity. This research will inform the creation of other collaboratively-developed participatory research programs, as well as citizen science programs that simultaneously prioritize engagement, education, and collection of high-quality data.