Abstract
Accurate observations of the Earth system are required to understand how our planet is changing and to help manage its resources. The aquatic environment−including lakes, rivers, wetlands, estuaries, coastal and open oceans−is a fundamental component of the Earth system controlling key physical, biological, and chemical processes that allow life to flourish. Yet, this environment is critically undersampled in both time and space. New and cost-effective sampling solutions are urgently needed. Here, we highlight the potential to improve aquatic sampling by tapping into recreation. We draw attention to the vast number of participants that engage in aquatic recreational activities and argue, based on current technological developments and recent research, that the time is right to employ recreational citizens to improve large-scale aquatic sampling efforts. We discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for this strategy to be successful (e.g. sensor package design, data quality, and citizen motivation), the steps needed to realize its potential, and additional societal benefits that arise when engaging citizens in scientific sampling.
Highlights
Integrated Earth system science requires systematic and sustained observations (Alverson and Baker, 2006)
Despite the demand for observations and its important role in Earth system science, the aquatic environment is critically undersampled in time and space (Huang and Xia, 2001; Alverson and Baker, 2006; Davidson et al, 2007; Defeo et al, 2009), impeding our ability to understand how our planet functions, how it is responding to human activity, and how to manage its resources sustainably
Satellite remote-sensing and autonomous observations (e.g., Argo floats and gliders) have drastically improved sampling efforts and our understanding of the role the aquatic environment plays in the Earth system (McClain, 2009; Merchant, 2013; Watson et al, 2015; Dall’Olmo et al, 2016; Riser et al, 2016)
Summary
Integrated Earth system science requires systematic and sustained observations (Alverson and Baker, 2006). Satellite remote-sensing (e.g., oceancolor, thermal radiometry, and altimetry) and autonomous observations (e.g., Argo floats and gliders) have drastically improved sampling efforts and our understanding of the role the aquatic environment plays in the Earth system (McClain, 2009; Merchant, 2013; Watson et al, 2015; Dall’Olmo et al, 2016; Riser et al, 2016). These techniques have their limitations, often require independent in situ observations for calibration and verification, and are limited by the number of indicators that can be measured. Benefits, and the challenges that need to be overcome for successful integration of such an approach into existing monitoring systems
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