Advancing Ocean and Plankton Literacy through Marine Citizen Science: Insights from the Plankton Planet Project

This presentation will explore how marine citizen science, exemplified by the innovative Plankton Planet pilot project, fosters ocean and plankton literacy. Plankton Planet engages sailors and Sorbonne University master’s students in scientifically rigorous protocols to collect plankton samples from the high seas, aiming to map plankton biodiversity on a global scale. Distinct from most marine citizen science initiatives, this project’s unique focus on plankton—a crucial yet often-overlooked component of marine ecosystems—coupled with its complex sampling protocols, gives participants an in-depth understanding of marine biodiversity.

Semi-structured interviews reveal that participants gain valuable insights into the ocean and plankton’s ecological roles, while also developing emotional connections, or “emoceans,” sparked by their encounters with plankton. The study identifies four core factors that foster ocean literacy in marine citizen science: active scientific participation, public knowledge-sharing, robust training, and a collaborative approach. Although complexity and pilot-stage limitations present challenges, these factors collectively lay the groundwork for “marine citizenship.” Participants emerge as engaged advocates with the capacity to influence sustainable marine governance, highlighting Plankton Planet’s potential to empower citizens beyond data collection and inspiring them to actively engage in ocean stewardship.