From a citizen science programme to a coastline monitoring system: Achievements and lessons learnt from the Spanish CoastSnap network

Abstract

Citizen science-based monitoring projects have emerged as powerful tools for understanding morphodynamic changes in beaches and fostering the democratization of coastal research and management. The CoastSnap initiative exemplifies this approach. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the background and evolution of the CoastSnap initiative in Spain, analyzing its performance during its first five operational years in the country (2018–2022) and its success in engaging diverse participants and stakeholders. The Spanish CoastSnap network effectively harnessed community involvement leading to significant data collection to enhance scientific understanding of shoreline dynamics. The analysis of community participation statistics demonstrates the influence of local customs on CoastSnap use, with variable engagement trends related to geographic factors and different beach users’ preferences. Challenges in maintaining project momentum and ensuring data accuracy underscore the need for continuous support and resources to sustain citizen science initiatives, while also encouraging the integration of local knowledge and expertise. This study provides insights for similar citizen science projects, highlighting the potential of collaborative efforts in addressing the complex monitoring of coastal ecosystems. The organization, achievements, impacts, and challenges of the Spanish CoastSnap network offer valuable guidance for further applications of the CoastSnap approach, future research directions, and enhance knowledge exchange to establish international best practices.