Ocean Sensor Device Gauges Sea Climate Variables
In the realm of ocean science, citizen participation is playing an increasingly significant role in collecting valuable data. One such initiative that is making waves is the Rabbitcreek ocean sensor project, based on Maui. This project, designed to track local ocean conditions, could potentially be part of a larger network of sensors.
Rabbitcreek's ocean sensor project is an example of a citizen science project that combines off-the-shelf components for a practical purpose. The sensor package is wrapped in a 3D printed housing, while the rest of the electronics are housed in a waterproof Pelican case. The sensor is equipped with a microcontroller (Xiao ESP32-S3), a one-wire temperature sensor, a DF Robot turbidity sensor, an MPU6050 gyroscope, and accelerometer, and a Wio-SX1262 radio kit that sends LoRa signals. These components allow the ocean sensor to measure the water's condition and the motion of the waves.
The data collected by the Rabbitcreek ocean sensor project could be useful for a variety of ocean-related studies and analyses. Rabbitcreek expresses the potential usefulness of a grid of ocean sensors for a larger dataset, and suggests that citizen science projects, including their own, can contribute to further analysis. The project is open to potential collaboration and sharing of information with others involved in ocean science.
Rabbitcreek encourages those involved in ocean science to share their work on the tipsline, and the project could inspire further citizen science initiatives in ocean science. The Rabbitcreek ocean sensor project is a testament to the power of citizen science in advancing our understanding of the ocean and its conditions.
The world of citizen science ocean monitoring is rich and diverse, with several notable projects making significant contributions. NASA's Citizen Science for Earth System Program (CSESP) funds projects that combine citizen science with satellite data to monitor water quality, biodiversity, physical oceanography, and atmospheric composition. The BlueDOT project, coordinated by MARUM, involves divers collecting ocean temperature data to better track marine heat waves. The eWHALE consortium involves citizen scientists on whale-watching boats collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples. The Floating Forests project trains citizen scientists to analyze satellite imagery to track changes in kelp forests worldwide over 20+ years. BIOcean5D leverages tools like the Lamprey and Curiosity microscopes to empower citizens to reveal plankton diversity.
These projects collectively demonstrate diverse citizen science approaches, ranging from in situ sampling (divers, whale watchers), remote sensing image analysis, to molecular methods (eDNA), all contributing meaningful, large-scale monitoring of ocean conditions, biodiversity, and changes related to climate and human impacts. These initiatives are ongoing as of mid-2025, engaging tens of thousands of citizen scientists worldwide to produce valuable data supporting marine conservation and climate research.
In conclusion, the Rabbitcreek ocean sensor project is a shining example of how citizen science can play a crucial role in ocean monitoring. By encouraging collaboration and data sharing, projects like these are paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of our oceans and their health.
The Rabbitcreek ocean sensor project, utilizing off-the-shelf components and advanced technology like microcontrollers, sensors, and radio kits, serves as a prime example of how citizen science can contribute to the realm of ocean science by providing valuable data about ocean conditions and wave motion. Moreover, Rabbitcreek's potential for collaboration and sharing of information could inspire other ocean science citizen projects, further expanding the data available for ocean-related studies and analyses.
