FitoAvista Citizen Science Program
2023-01-16 (IPMA)
IIPMA's new citizen science program, FitoAvista, challenges society to participate in the monitoring of marine phytoplankton along the entire Portuguese coast, through the communication of foams or water coloring.
These natural phenomena are usually associated with abundant concentrations of microalgae and can affect water quality, aquatic life, human and animal health and economic activities such as aquaculture and tourism. The program could function as an early warning tool for events of this nature, allowing for a timely assessment of them.
FitoAvista invites citizens to discover the invisible world of algae. Content will be made available via the website and social networks (under construction and to be launched soon) and awareness-raising and training activities will be carried out on phytoplankton, in conjunction with entities operating in the coastal zone, from environmental associations to surf schools, by captaincies, maritime police and others.
The partnership with GelAvista, IPMA's citizen science program that started in 2016 and which has won a large number of observers, arises as it is possible to reconcile sightings of jelly beans with sightings of foam or water coloring. Sightings should be sent to plancton@ipma.pt.
We also inform you that we are available for any further clarification you deem necessary.
Imagens associadas
Image from Nazaré, by Hélio António
Imagem from Praia das Maças, by José Azevedo
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Copyright © Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere 2023
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