Backyard Buoys: supporting the next generation of citizen ocean scientists

The Backyard Buoys™ project (www.backyardbuoys.org) is empowering Indigenous and coastal communities with tools to gather and interpret wave data, enhancing their capacity for climate resilience and blue economy initiatives. While a parallel presentation will emphasize local stewardship and co-design, this session focuses on Backyard Buoys’ commitment to educating new generations through the hands-on use of low-cost, scalable marine technology. Engaging younger participants from these historically underserved communities in ocean science not only builds technical skills but fosters a lasting connection to their coastal environments, a necessity as climate change accelerates shifts in ocean conditions and wave predictability.

Through partnerships with regional ocean observing networks and the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), Backyard Buoys facilitates the co-design of training programs and educational resources, emphasizing accessibility and relevance. Community members, particularly youth, gain experience deploying, managing, and analyzing data from buoys tailored to local needs. Complemented by Indigenous Knowledge, these programs deepen understanding and enhance participation in data-driven decision-making for sustainable ocean stewardship.

By investing in future generations, Backyard Buoys aims to cultivate a lasting framework for community science, blending modern technology with traditional knowledge to build a resilient coastal future. This presentation will outline the project’s strategies and resources to educate, inspire, and empower the next wave of coastal innovators.