New citizen science project aims to improve marine conservation by tackling pollution

A NEW citizen science project has been launched to get more people to take part in tackling marine conservation and plastic pollution.

- by STAFF REPORTER

Devon-based broadcaster, explorer and marine conservationist Monty Halls is fronting a campaign to empower people and communities of all ages to take simple steps to protect local beaches, rivers and waterways.

The Big Blue Bag contains four easy-to-follow conservation protocols, allowing users to collect data about marine health including microplastic pollution, species biodiversity, water temperature and coastal debris.

Data can be uploaded to a global, open-access database, through specialised app Coreo, which allows users to contribute to research that can then inform conservation efforts in the future and is open to all.

Halls said: “This initiative is about inspiring and educating people, especially the younger generation, to become actively involved in tackling marine environmental issues.