Citizen Science

Citizen Science is a way you can take part in scientific research by collecting information underwater. The Kwanini Foundation encourages citizen science by asking divers and snorkelers to collect data about Pemba’s dive sites, so we can see what is happening to our beautiful coral reefs and the fish that live there. As a volunteer, you can make a difference by taking part in our community-based monitoring activities. You can serve as our "eyes and ears” underwater and act as an early warning system to alert us to change in the marine environment.

The Foundation is currently setting up a Citizen Science monitoring programme to collect data on corals and fish. Corals can tell us a lot about how the environment is doing. They can be long-term indicators of water quality, they can tell us about pollution and damage or they can respond very quickly to environmental changes like sea water temperature rise. By collecting data regularly, through our Citizen Science programme, we can hope to put together a picture of what is really happening to the coral reefs around Pemba.

Fish are an important source of protein for local communities in Pemba, but this is a resource that is declining rapidly through overfishing and illegal fishing practices. Marine Protected Areas are one way of increasing fish numbers, we need to know how successful our protected areas are in contributing to local fish populations.

By getting involved in our programme, you can help us with our ongoing monitoring efforts, so we can understand how Pemba’s marine environment works. For our programme to be a success, we need tourists coming to Pemba to get involved in collecting data while diving. All we need are GoPro cameras. If you would like to donate to this programme, click on the DONATE link on this page.

If you would like to learn more about our Citizen Science programme, visit our Citizen Science page for more information and to learn how to get involved in three simple steps.