Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Blue Participation
🗓️ 3–6 March 2026, ECSA Conference 2026, Oulu (Finland)

CS-MACH1 is delighted to announce the upcoming workshop “Citizen Science in Ocean and Waters Mission: Exploring Challenges and Opportunities for Blue Participation” as part of the ECSA 2026 Conference (Panel T0036).

This interactive session will evaluate the challenges and opportunities to develop citizen science activities across marine, coastal, and freshwater domains, exploring what makes these “blue” ecosystems unique compared to terrestrial ones. Participants will discuss strategies to maximise engagement, inclusiveness, and long-term participation within the framework of the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters.”

Blue citizen science is increasingly recognised as a key approach for advancing our understanding of aquatic ecosystems. From biodiversity monitoring and litter tracking to environmental parameter collection, thousands of volunteers contribute daily to expanding scientific knowledge and public awareness. However, participation at sea and underwater brings unique barriers—from technical and safety challenges to the deployment of low-cost instruments in salty environments.

The workshop will explore these challenges while highlighting diverse contexts—from urban beaches to remote seas and inland waters—and the crucial role of local and indigenous communities in connecting global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss to local, community-driven solutions.

Join us in Oulu to help shape the future of Blue Citizen Science and contribute to more inclusive and participatory ocean and waters management.

📅 Submit your proposal by October 7th
🔗 Go to the ECSA panels page