iSea: 2023 impact

In 2023, within the framework of the program “obSERVING NATURE”, and aiming at mitigating the threats and pressures applied on sharks and rays, as well as supporting research conducted through the Citizen Science practice, iSea implemented the following activities:

• Acquisition of a portable real time PCR tool, which will enable the detection of mislabeled protected elasmobranch species
• Submission of 299 common and local names of aquatic species for reviewing from iNaturalist platform, to update and improve the iNaturalistGR platform.
• Organization and implementation of 2 webinars and a seminar for the promotion of Citizen Science and iNaturalistGR platform, with the participation of 203 citizens
• Addition of 690 new observers contributing to iNaturailstGR with useful data.

Biodiversity is fundamental for healthy ecosystems and oceans have a unique wealth, remaining unexplored to a degree of more than 80%. Part of this biodiversity are sharks and rays, which belong to the most threatened taxa.

By expanding our knowledge, creating awareness to the public and providing suitable equipment to stakeholders, the negative impact of activities that threaten these species, may be mitigated.

Moreover, the collection of a vast amount of data that can support scientific research, in favor of biodiversity, can be achieved through Citizen Science.