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If you’ve ever participated in a beach clean-up, searched for weeds, or reported a sighting of a rare animal on your past adventures, you can consider yourself a practitioner of citizen science. 

To give you a technical definition, the Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA) states, “citizen science involves public participation and collaboration in scientific research with the aim to increase scientific knowledge…Citizen scientists work with scientists or the scientific framework to achieve scientific goals.”  

Participating in scientific research as a non-scientist can be incredibly beneficial for data collection, contributing to climate change studies and wildlife conservation. Spotting a new species is gold for researchers who utilise these findings to accelerate their research and quantify findings. 

As your next holiday approaches, you might like to consider how you and your family can incorporate citizen science. After all, being immersed in nature can improve both mental and physical health, and it’s also child-friendly and free of charge.   

Depending on how much time you’re willing to dedicate, there is a range of activities to choose from. Here’s a guide below:  

Contribute Remotely (DIY)  

We’re fortunate today to be supported by powerful tech that allows the everyday nature enthusiast to support professional research from afar. If you have a passion for science and the environment, this is a low-effort approach to improving the habitat around you.   

Apps are available for recording your sightings. Simply upload a photo of your sighting, along with some basic information. Well-known apps include: 

• Biocollect 

• WildTracker 

• iNaturalist 

• eBird   

Headed to the Gold Coast? There is an ongoing project for reporting dugong sightings on the Dugong Sightings GC platform, as well as dolphin spotting for Dolphin Watch Australia.  

Join Scientists and a Like-minded Community  

While regular tour guides will show you the sights and all the local hotspots, groups dedicated to citizen science operate with the intent to improve the health of the local environment, and many ready to welcome volunteers like you.   

A Google search can put you in touch with numerous tour operators. Alternatively, you can enquire with your accommodation provider to see whether they can recommend any exclusive programs to suit your needs.   

Depending on your travel preferences and interests, there are certain destinations where citizen science is highly respected for it’s role in protecting World Heritage Sites.   

Several exhibition cruises and tour operators offer programs, 1-12 days in duration, on The Great Barrier Reef. You’ll be accompanied by marine biologists to assess the health of the reef.  

If you’re planning to participate in a pre-booked tour as part of your holiday, it’s wise to consider booking travel insurance to protect yourself against delayed flights or unforeseen weather events, particularly during the wet season in Far North Queensland.  

Still not sure? 

If you’re yet to plan your next holiday, stay on the pulse with citizen science initiatives, Facebook community groups act as a useful ongoing tool and are always seeking enthusiastic volunteers. Following hashtags like #citizenscience, #citsci and #citscioz will also keep you in the loop.  

To search for citizen science projects, visit the project finder by the ASCA and keep up to date with their social media. By registering as an ACSA member, you can join and engage with a growing network of like-minded hobbyists of nature researchers – maybe even create your own app or citizen science project.   

So why not become a part of an active community that works together to add a deeper meaning to nature travel?  

You’re collectively expanding your understanding of science whilst supporting the health of the planet.