Opportunities, approaches and challenges to the engagement of citizens in filling small water body data gaps

Abstract

Monitoring the condition (water quality, biodiversity, hydromorphology) of small water bodies presents a challenge for the relevant authorities in terms of time and resources (labour and financial) due to the extensive length of the stream network or the sheer number of small standing water bodies. Citizen science can help address information gaps, but the effort required should not be underestimated if such projects are to generate reliable and sustained data collection. The overall aim of this paper is to propose a framework for operationalisation of citizen science targeting collection of data from small water bodies. We first consider the data gaps and the elements (water chemistry, ecology, hydromorphology) to be addressed, in order to define where citizen science could best make an impact. We review examples of tools and methods that are appropriate for small water bodies, based on experience from a selection of freshwater citizen science projects, and the support that is needed for effective and sustained small water body projects across Europe.