The study conducted by Delaney et al. (2008) used citizen scientists to collect and identify two species of invasive crabs, Carcinus maenas and Hemigrapsus sanguineus, along the east coast, and at the same time studied the effectiveness of these citizens’ abilities to correctly identify the crab species. The need to monitor for the presence and spread of marine invasive species, or any invasive species for that matter, is great because early detection allows for rapid action to be taken against the invader. This has been proven to be the most cost-effective way of dealing with an exotic species.
In this particular study, citizen scientists were counting and identifying two species of invasive crabs. It was found that a higher level of education increased the accuracy of identification, though even third-grade students were able to make correct identifications with about 80% accuracy. It was more difficult for citizens of all education levels to correctly identify the gender of the crabs. The crabs were found to be present in all the sites from northern New Jersey to Maine with differing percentages of each type of crab at each site. H. sanguineus was found to more common at lower latitudes while C. maenas dominated at higher latitudes.
Delany et al. (2008) notes that the use of citizen scientists and volunteer-based monitoring has been used by many programs in Europe, but is not yet common in the United States. Citizen science has great value, both to the citizens who
can have a worthwhile educational experience, and to the scientists conducting the study who have a vast pool of free labor. Delaney et al. (2008) discussed the feasibility of establishing a large, national network that could be accessed by citizen scientists and used to collect data on a number of species across a wide range of locations. Most of the factors standing in the way of this are technological, though increased availability of global mapping systems such as Google Earth could make it possible. They also found that it helps to have supervision for citizen scientists which can help increase the accuracy of their observations and identifications.
Delaney, D.G., Sperling, C.D., Adams, C.S., Leung, B. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
Delaney et al. (2008) studied the use of citizen scientists in a project that identified crab species, Carcinus maenas, Hemigrapsus sanguineus and several native species, and determined their gender in intertidal zones ranging from New Jersey to Maine. Acquiring such large amounts of data is typically difficult for scientists because of monetary and personnel limitations, and it leaves massive holes in the crucial information needed to study invasive species.
However, citizen science provides a solution to this issue; Delaney et al. (2008) claim that the scientists gain personnel to collect data from volunteers and the volunteers get exposure to unique hands-on experiences. A common criticism of citizen science is the difficulty of validating data collected by volunteers. Delaney et al. (2008) show that the data collected in their study was mostly accurate, particularly as level of education increased (80% of seventh graders and 95% of second year college students could identify crab gender). Perfection is not needed for such a broad range study, and with more training, citizen scientists could get the job done much more efficiently than scientists alone.
The power of volunteers is needed, and although there are some potential issues like their level of patience, the benefits of citizen science far outweigh the costs and risks.
Delaney, David G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10: 117-128.
Delaney et. al. 2008 shows us the potential power that citizen science has. Typically, monitoring the geographical distribution of invasive species would be a nearly impossible task. A small group of professional scientists can only count crabs so fast. It is very likely that by the time a small group of scientists are done counting, the crab population has already changed. Delaney et. al. 2008 showed that by using citizen science, such a task is possible to accomplish.
Volunteers were trained to identify the invasive crabs, the crabs’ genders, and record all these data into a database. These volunteers were able to quite accurately report the distribution of the invasive crab population. It was found during the study that education directly correlated with the accuracy one was able to distinguish apart different crab species and genders. It was noted that seventh graders were able to report the correct gender of the crabs 80% of the time while students in college were able to correctly identify genders 95% of the time. The accuracy of the citizen scientists is not perfect and it was noted that some people did not mark down the size of the crabs as it was reported to be too tedious. However, because there are so many people constantly monitoring the crab distribution, the sheer amount of information recorded compensates for the slight loss in accuracy.
This kind of study showed that citizen science is a powerful tool when used correctly. While the results were not 100% accurate, doing something like finding a population distribution does not require such accuracy. Citizen science is possibly the best tool for scientists to use whenever an overwhelming amount of information needs to be gathered, information that does not need to be 100% perfect.
Delaney, David G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
In Australia, the cane toad has been recognized as an invasive species for nearly eight decades. Stopping the spread of the cane toad has been unsuccessful, however, new ways of at least controlling the toad, such as citizen science, are aiding in its removal. The only volunteer group that is concerned with the cane toad’s control and ultimate destruction is the Kimberley Toad Busters, which were established in 2005. The members apart of this organization go through training and are educated on the cane toad and are led by leaders. The toads are measured, weighed, and their sex is determined. The Kimberley Toad Busters are just as focused on cane toads as they are establishing knowledge about them in the community. This is a prime example of citizen science and how it can be effective in getting a firmer grip on an invasive species.
Citizen Science has been playing an increasingly more important role in modern research studies that involve keeping track of large populations of different species. Delaney et al. (2008) illustrates the importance of implementing citizen science methods to amass large collections of data for various studies of invasive species. Delaney et al. (2008) highlights that volunteer monitoring is a potential answer to supplying the resources necessary to construct vast and accurate databases for native and invasive species. This article also points out that citizen science provides a solution in which every participating party benefits. The scientists in charge of the study gain valuable information that could not be obtained with their given limited resources and the public volunteers gain educational hands on experiences in identifying various species. Delaney et al. (2008) mentions the National Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird counts as an example of citizen science at its best. This society has been generating data for over 100 years about patterns and the distribution of North American Birds. The study that Delaney et al. (2008) focuses on specifically involves the assessment of the presence of invasive and native crabs within the coastal states of the United-States from New Jersey to Maine. Volunteers of various age groups were asked to differentiate between species of crabs in order to identify native and invasive crab species. The data that was collected was then utilized to construct a large database of the distribution and population of the different native and invasive crab species for the east coastal region of the United-States. Based off their study, Delaney et al. (2008) concluded that citizen science is a very important tool for amassing large scale databases without having to rely heavily on cost and resources.
Delaney, D.G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2006. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10: 117-128.
The invasive Hermigrapsus sanguineus and Carcinus maenashave been attacking the Northeast United States over the past few years. These crab species are displacing the native species from the northeastern waters. Delaney et. al. (2006) decided to put together a study that tested the distribution of invasive species along the northeast coast along with the concentration of both species in certain areas. In addition to researching the crabs’ distribution, Delaney and his colleagues also tested and studied the effectiveness of citizen science.
Because their research entailed data from over fifty different water bodies, the use of citizen science was practically needed to cover the wide range of research. Over one thousand participants volunteered to help Delaney and his colleagues record data from the northeastern waters. The volunteers were in charge of observing and recording the amount of each of the crab species in their assigned sections.
It may seem like the use of volunteers to collect and record data may be unreliable, but Delaney et. al. (2006) made sure to double check their volunteers’ work. After examining the data, it was discovered that the citizen science research was actually extremely accurate. The volunteers were able to correctly identify the species of crabs around 95 percent of the time. More surprisingly, these volunteers were able to also correctly distinguish the gender of each species found at a rate of 95 percent. Some of these volunteers were only middle school students, and the most effective research was conducted by students with only two years of education at the university level.
In my opinion, citizen science was essential for this study. Not only did it save time and money with its convenience, but it was also very accurate based on Delaney et. al.’s (2006) research. This effectiveness could probably be translated to other studies that involve citizen science. This belief comes from the fact that with some proper training, citizen scientists can conduct research with extremely high accuracy. Personally, I feel as if citizen science should be used in most research projects because of this favorable research. The use of citizen scientists could reduce the amount of money and time spent on research which instead could be put to better use.
Delaney, D.G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2006. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10: 117-128.
A study by Delaney et al. (2008) demonstrates that citizen scientists may be the solution to outdated and incomplete databases about invasive species. Because of the lack of funding and personnel, invasive species research has not been sufficient in providing necessary comprehensive and up-to-date data. The scientific community, however, has been reluctant in accepting the validity of data collected by citizen scientists. This study by Delaney et al (2008) sought to test how accurate and feasible a large-scale invasive species-monitoring network of citizen scientists could be.
Delaney et al. (2008) had groups of varying ages (3-78), education levels (pre-Kindergarten to Ph.D) and group sizes (1-10 people) collect data about invasive crabs on New England shorelines. Researchers then retested the data to determine the validity. The experiment showed that education level was the most important determinant in whether or not the data was consistently accurate. Although 2 years of university education was necessary to identify the gender of a crab to 95% accuracy, 7th graders could identify whether the crab was invasive with 95% accuracy.
Delaney et al. (2008) proved that citizen scientists, with sufficient training and education, could provide accurate enough data to be trusted in the scientific community. Although finding enough support to help citizen science flourish and sustain may stand in the way of citizen science, Delaney et al. (2008) demonstrated that there could be a partial solution to insufficient funds and personnel. Although limited to relatively simple research, citizen scientists could drastically help with things such as early detection of invasive species.
Delaney, David G, CD Sperling, CS Adams, and B Leung. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
A study by Delaney et al. (2008) tests the merits of citizen-science in evaluation of marine invasive species spread. Delaney et al. (2008) begin their paper by explaining that the process of categorizing and determining the spread of marine species with a small group of scientists takes an inordinate amount of time and monetary resources which are often lacking. They propose that citizen-science could be utilized to help create a comprehensive database of spatial and temporal information through volunteer-based monitoring because the labor is free and the time resource is great.
Delaney et al. (2008) claim that in order for citizen-science to be effective, volunteer criteria first need to be determined in order to ensure accuracy of the collected data. They found that the ability to report accurate data is directly proportional to age and education. They found that to achieve 95% accuracy, they needed volunteers with at least 2 years of university education. Their results imply that criteria for separate studies would have to be determined to ensure high accuracy for particular circumstances.
The scientists clearly demonstrated that citizen-science can be utilized in such a way that it can yield scientifically sound data. Accurate data leads to more informed policy decisions for the prevention of future aquatic species invasions and aids in management of established invasive species. I hope that other scientists in the field of invasive biology will come to realize the resource that citizen-science offers and start to utilize it in order to lower distribution rates of invasive species.
Delaney, David G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10: 117-128.
Delaney et al. (2008) evaluates citizen science and its merits. It opens by explaining that the limitations of many research projects are the limitations of resources, the most important of which is personnel. Delaney et al. (2008) suggests that citizen science could be the key to countering this deficit, and that citizen science could be key to early detection of an invasion. According to Delaney et al. (2008), Europe has already begun to utilize citizen science and has encountered much success. However, North America has yet to truly utilize this untapped resource, mostly because many researchers underestimate the accuracy of the work conducted through citizen science.
As a way to encourage citizen science, Delaney et al. (2008) conducted their study to help show the authenticity of the results that citizen science can yield. In the study, Delaney et al. (2008) collected data on citizen science primarily on age and education to show usefulness of citizen science. Delaney et al. (2008) had a large study of 1000 “subjects” in 52 sites spanning from New Jersey to Maine. Volunteers spanned from age 3-78 and of education pre-kindergarten to PH. D. In addition, all volunteers received an hour-long training secession so that they were all educated in methodology. For each observation that was made by the volunteers, a professional checked the results to determine accuracy.
Results indicated that age and education were collinear, but results were positive. On average, third grade students were 80% accurate and seventh grade student were 90% accurate in determining whether the crab was invasive. However seventh grade students were only 80% accurate in determining gender and volunteers within two years of university education were 95% accurate. Overall the volunteers were fairly accurate.
From Delaney et al. (2008), I hope that other scientists will see the usefulness of volunteers in conducting studies. Although I do not expect most scientists to allow three year olds to participate, volunteers can be very accurate. With proper training, volunteers can learn the methodology and assist in some of the less advanced procedures. By utilizing citizen science, more studies can be conducted many of which will hopefully detect an invasion before an issue becomes too serious.
Delaney, David G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.
In Delaney et al. (2008), the researchers aim to evaluate the effectiveness of citizen science in collecting data accurately. Delaney et al. (2008) do this by asking citizens to collect data on the species and gender of crabs along the New England coastline. Researchers then reevaluated the data to see how accurate the citizens’ assessments were.
Citizens vary in education level from prekindergarten to post doctorate. They are set up at 52 randomly selected sites along the 725-km coastal transect between New Jersey and Maine. Citizens are evaluated in their ability to assess crab species and gender based on their age, education, the size of crabs being analyzed and the size of the data collection group each citizen is involved in.
What Delaney et al. (2008) found is that education and age were the most important factors in determining a citizen scientist’s accuracy in identifying crab species and gender. Citizen collected data that was over 95% accurate was used to generate information about crab populations in the New England region. Results showed that crab distribution varied by latitude (water temperature) and by the complexity of the sites tested. Asian crabs are most prevalent in the south and green crabs are more common in the north. Native crab species occurred in smaller amounts, primarily between the northern and southern extremes of the data set.
Delaney et al. (2008) found that citizen science can be an effective tool for collecting data cheaply and efficiently, as long as there are means to properly train the citizens. Delaney et al. (2008) propose that in the future a large database should be created using the Internet. This database should incorporate previously established databases as well as citizen science data in order to be comprehensive. Delaney et al. (2008) suggest challenges will include continued work, dedication and funding in maintaining an effective database.
In my opinion, citizen science is an important tool and should be considered by the scientific community. It is cost effective and gives citizens the ability to take part in interesting research. I know I would enjoy being a part of a citizen science project to collect data on local insects, for example. I think the most difficult aspect is acquiring a proper mechanism for training volunteers, but this can be accomplished through training sessions and/or instructional paperwork and videos.
Delaney, David G., C.D. Sperling, C.S. Adams, and B. Leung. 2008. Marine invasive species: validation of citizen science and implications for national monitoring networks. Biological Invasions 10:117-128.