Open ocean observations and sampling remain sparse, especially those of transient small-scale motions and features playing critical roles in the marine ecosystem and ocean dynamics. We propose to…

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH) received a $371,652.27 grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to facilitate the collection of a broad variety of ocean data and samples by citizen scientists. The project aims to advance the understanding of physical, biological, and biogeochemical processes in the marine environment and complement NASA's Earth-observing system. Key activities include training and equipping citizen scientists to conduct visual surveys, collect samples, and deploy tracking devices to study ocean features, marine debris, and associated biodiversity. The grant also supports the synthesis of the citizen science data with satellite imagery, numerical models, and theoretical concepts. This grant does not have a set-aside designation, reflecting UH's status as a public research university. The project leverages UH's expertise in fields such as oceanography, earth sciences, and remote sensing to address gaps in open ocean observations.

Open ocean observations and sampling remain sparse, especially those of transient small-scale motions and features playing critical roles in the marine ecosystem and ocean dynamics. We propose to use the current network of partners, volunteers, and citizen scientists and greatly expand IT to facilitate collection of data, samples, and deployment of scientific instruments to advance understanding of physical, biological, and biogeochemical processes and interpretation of in situ observations and satellite imaging. In this project we will reach, train, equip, and guide citizen scientists to acquire a broad variety of information complimentary to the NASA earth-observing system, including: - visual reports and boat- and drone-based photo/video material from surveys of select ocean sites, particular ocean features (such as windrows, biological slicks, fronts, eddies, and chlorophyll blooms), large floating marine debris objects (such as derelict fishing gear) and aggregations of small debris, as well as biota colonizing this debris and neustonic species. - collection of biological, debris, and water samples. - observations of opportunity will be guided through the areas of interests and, when feasible, synchronized with satellite flybys. - large objects and ocean features will be tagged and marked with low-cost satellite trackers. This will allow their extensive study using remote sensing and follow-up inspections. - open ocean activity will be complemented by long-term monitoring of select shorelines and crowdsourcing opportunistic reports from coastal environmental groups and volunteers. - while analyzing the collected data, we will synthesize them with satellite products, numerical models, and theoretical concepts. Funding is requested for instruments (such as trackers, drones, and cameras) and supplies (sample collection and preservation kits) to be provided to citizen science and to partly compensate for their time and expenses during the project operations. We also reserve funding for the team to ensure that the high-quality data are collected and shared in a timely manner as well as for outreach coordination to recruit citizen scientists. Our team includes highly qualified physicists, biologists, satellite experts, and an expert in the use of sailing ships, yachts, and research vessels who have extensive experience and conduct active research in other relevant projects. We propose to build on this experience and plan to advance the NASA earth-observing system and broader scientific understanding and applications by: - creating or dramatically improving satellite spectral libraries of marine debris. - characterizing the composition and distribution of biodiversity present in the upper ocean and associated with debris. - facilitating calibration of satellite sensors using ship-borne instruments and drones. - tracking marine debris and ocean features. - enriching sample collections of marine debris and biological species in the pelagic ocean. - collecting coastal observations and samples to link the coastal ecosystem to its pelagic counterpart. - evaluating ecosystem properties (chemical composition, colored dissolved organic matter, food quality, etc.) associated with open ocean, near and away from debris, ocean features, and blooms. These plans build on the close involvement of citizen scientists and are directly relevant to and significant for this solicitation and other NASA programs (such as ocean biology and biogeochemistry, biodiversity and ecological forecasting, surface water and ocean topography, physical oceanography, etc.). This is a type i proposal we are eager to demonstrate the feasibility and importance of the data collected by citizen scientists in the first 18 months and are aiming to implement, expand, and sustain the citizen science networks thereafter.