MARE-Madeira proposes a citizen science platform for marine monitoring in the Autonomous Region of Madeira
The latest Policy Brief from MARE highlights that maritime workers can contribute reliably to the monitoring of marine ecosystems and recommends the creation of a centralised platform that integrates existing initiatives.
Monitoring marine species and anthropogenic activities is essential for the effective management of maritime space. However, data collection is often time-consuming and costly, requiring vessels, sophisticated equipment and qualified professionals. This is compounded by the frequent discontinuity of research and conservation projects, often interrupted due to funding constraints or the predominance of short-term funding.
It is within this context that MARE Madeira publishes its third Policy Brief, presenting a concrete proposal: to involve maritime workers in the Autonomous Region of Madeira in citizen science initiatives, thereby reducing costs, expanding geographical coverage and ensuring greater continuity in data collection.
What the Policy Brief reveals
The Policy Brief “Strategy for encouraging and managing citizen science for marine monitoring in Madeira” is based on a set of 10 scientific articles published between 2020 and 2025, conducted in the Madeira Archipelago, Portugal. Taken together, these studies indicate that maritime workers could effectively contribute to citizen science initiatives.
The results are clear: the information provided by these workers, through surveys, corresponds, across several ecological parameters analysed, to data collected using scientific methods. The document also highlights that their contribution has been essential in various previous studies on the island, and that their regular presence in the marine environment, along with their proximity to areas of intense human–ecosystem interaction, places them in a particularly strong position to fulfil this role.
The methodology applied, which combined surveys with participatory mapping in Geographic Information Systems, proved effective in integrating this local knowledge into scientific processes.
A platform to centralise what already exists
The main recommendation of the document is the development of a participatory platform coordinated by researchers, bringing together different initiatives already in place in the region, such as the SOS Monk Seal Network, cetacean sighting records from tourism operators, observations from diving centres through Dive Reporter, and data on marine litter collected on beaches.
The authors also propose the creation of a coalition bringing together aquaculture professionals, recreational fishers, diving instructors, tourism operators, maritime activity practitioners, researchers and maritime spatial planners. To ensure active and sustained participation, they recommend the establishment of incentives such as awards, participation badges, certifications and training.
The platform would also serve to disseminate data through open-access scientific articles and simplified reports for the local community, strengthening communication between industry, academia and government.
Science supporting decision-making
Policy Briefs are documents that translate scientific findings into practical recommendations for management and policymaking, based on the research carried out. Their aim is to bring scientific knowledge closer to key regional and national stakeholders, supporting informed decision-making in the areas of marine resource management, environmental protection and marine conservation.
Policy Brief #003 is authored by researchers Ana Cecília Amaral, Paola Parretti, Ana Dinis and Carlos Andrade, and is available at: https://mare-madeira.pt/impact/policy-briefs
Text: Vera Sequeira
Image: MARE-Madeira