Citizen science-based jellyfish observation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea

Edelist, Dor; Canepa-Oneto, Antonio; Azzopardi, Joel; Ballesteros, Ainara; Bellido, Jesús; Boero, Ferdinando; Bordehore, Cesar; Deidun, Alan; Fonfría, Eva S.; Gauci, Adam; Gili, Josep Maria; Gueroun, Sonia K. M.; Guy-Haim, Tamar; Kuplik, Zafrir; Leoni, Valentina; Kogovšek, Tjaša; Marambio, Macarena; Mangin, Antoine; Moranduzzo, Thomas; Öztürk, İlayda Destan; Öztürk, Bayram; Palma, Raul; Piraino, Stefano; Robertson, Emily; Savva, Ioannis; Smodlaka Tanković, Mirta; Souviron-Priego, Lucrecia; Tirelli, Valentina; Troullier, Antoine (2025) Citizen science-based jellyfish observation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea. Hydrobiologia, 852 (21). pp. 5313-5332. ISSN 0018-8158

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Abstract

We present Citizen Science-based Jellyfish Observation Initiatives (CS JOIs) across the Mediterranean Basin and propose a path toward standardization of the data they produce. We explored data collection and management through a shared database schema. Using an expert opinion questionnaire and adhering to standards that are recognized globally (e.g., by GBIF, OBIS, and EMODnet) such as Darwin Core and IOOS terminology, we propose a three-stage approach toward data management and standardization. JOIs vary in purpose, function, language, data collection, validation methodology, outreach, and levels of citizen engagement and training. This diversity presents unique opportunities and challenges for data collection and management. JOIs typically combine the dual role of providing real-time alert systems and enhancing our long-term knowledge of jellyfish distribution and, eventually, ecology. When global reporting systems are considered, local initiative identity, language, purpose, and community must be preserved to allow meaningful CS processes to evolve, while the integration of JOIs within them (and data collection and management in general) must be performed via standardized and shared methodologies. Finally, we discuss the contribution of novel technologies toward improving the activities and management of JOIs worldwide.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	citizen science; jellyfish observation
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences > Marine Science
Divisions:	Center for Marine Research
Depositing User:	Martina Žugaj
Date Deposited:	12 Dec 2025 07:38
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/10419
DOI:	10.1007/s10750-025-05852-y

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