Communities and local environmental enthusiasts take ownership in monitoring and recording data along the Wild Coast, South Africa. They become the guardians of our heritage and our resources,’ ensuring the preservation of our coastal treasures.

Pelagic Wake is actively creating a Citizen Science Movement. A public volunteer group participating in data collection, monitoring and conservation initiatives. We believe that the everyday scientist is critical to solving conservation challenges and pivotal in prevention of environmental decline.

Research projects are customarily undertaken by highly qualified specialists and experts, the contribution of ordinary citizens to scientific projects cannot be underestimated. Science is all around us, nothing can replace constant presence on the ground. Citizen Science contributes to gain insight into community and environmental health. In various cases and with its growing trend over the last few years the practice of Citizen Science has become an important attribute for policy practice and research.

Historically speaking, the concept of Citizen Scientists have been practiced for centuries. From the 1800’s sailors would record tides, currents and weather conditions which aided them in better predictions of ocean navigation and hazards.