Citizen science-based jellyfish observation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea

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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Hydrobiologia
Published
2025-04-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-025-05852-y
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
25.97
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article

Citizen science-based jellyfish observation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea

Adam Gauci, Zafrir Kuplik, Serena Zampardi, Josep María Gili et al.
6 citations
Hydrobiologia
Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology
25.97
article

Citizen science-based jellyfish observation initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea

Adam Gauci, Zafrir Kuplik, Serena Zampardi, Josep María Gili, Antonio Canepa, Dror L. Angel, Joel Azzopardi, Emily Robertson, Tamar Guy‐Haim, Dor Edelist, Eva S. Fonfría, Sonia K. M. Gueroun, Lucrecia Souviron‐Priego, Macarena Marambio, César Bordehore, Valentijn Venus, Bayram Öztürk, Valentina Tirelli, Ainara Ballesteros, Tjaša Kogovšek, Ferdinando Boero, Ioannis Savva, Stefano Piraino, Antoine Mangin, Alan Deidun, Valentina Leoni, İlayda Destan Öztürk, Mirta Smodlaka Tanković, Jesús Bellido, Raúl Palma, Thomas Moranduzzo, Antoine Troullier
article en
6 citations

Abstract

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.

HydrobiologiaVol. 852(21)
University of Alicante (ES), University of Salento (IT), Tel Aviv University (IL), University of Trento (IT), University of Malta (MT), Madeira Tecnopolo (PT), Ruppin Academic Center (IL), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (IT), Valencia Catholic University Saint Vincent Martyr (ES), CoNISMa (IT), Institut Català de Ciències del Clima (ES), Hospital HLA Mediterráneo (ES), Federico II University Hospital (IT), Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PL), Ruđer Bošković Institute (HR), Fondation Sophia Antipolis (FR), Institut de Ciències del Mar (ES), Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research (IL), National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (IT), Universidad de Burgos (ES), Universidade da Madeira (PT), Istanbul University (TR), University of Naples Federico II (IT), National Institute of Oceanography (IN), University of Palermo (IT), University of Haifa (IL), University of Twente (NL)
Openalex Percentile: Top 1%
Marine Invertebrate Physiology and Ecology
25.97
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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