Many eyes on the ground: citizen science is an effective early detection tool for biosecurity

Thomas, Melissa L.; Gunawardene, Nihara; Horton, Kristin L.; Williams, Angus; O’Connor, Simon; McKirdy, Simon; Merwe, Justin van der

doi:10.1007/s10530-017-1481-6

Cited by 40 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…The potential surveillance power of the general public is evident from a New Zealand study, where nearly half of all new exotic species detections over a 3-year period were from members of the general public (Froud et al 2008). In a similar vein, Thomas et al (2017) recorded that 95% of non-indigenous invertebrate species new to Barrow Island were detected by members of the local community. Such surveillance contributes to what is termed "general surveillance" (Hammond et al 2016a).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 77%

Crowd surveillance: estimating citizen science reporting probabilities for insects of biosecurity concern

2019

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Data streams arising from citizen reporting activities continue to grow, yet the information content within these streams remains unclear, and methods for addressing the inherent reporting biases little developed. Here, we quantify the major influence of physical insect features (colour, size, morphology, pattern) on the propensity of citizens to upload photographic sightings to online portals, and hence to contribute to biosecurity surveillance. After correcting for species availability, we show that physical features and pestiness are major predictors of reporting probability. The more distinctive the visual features, the higher the reporting probabilities-potentially providing useful surveillance should the species be an unwanted exotic. Conversely, the reporting probability for many small, nondescript high priority pest species is unlikely to be sufficient to contribute meaningfully to biosecurity surveillance, unless they are causing major harm. The lack of citizen reporting of recent incursions of small, nondescript exotic pests supports the model. By examining the types of insects of concern, industries or environmental managers can assess to what extent they can rely on citizen reporting for their surveillance needs. The citrus industry, for example, probably cannot rely on passive unstructured citizen data streams for surveillance of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). In contrast, the forestry industry may consider that citizen detection and reporting of species of the large and colourful insects such as pine sawyers (Monochamus spp.) may be sufficient for their needs. Incorporating citizen surveillance into the general surveillance framework is an area for further research. Key message• The citizen reporting probabilities of insects are dramatically influenced by physical features such as size, colour, pattern and morphology. • We demonstrate how it is possible to correct for the inherent bias in citizen reporting by modelling the effect of physical features and species distribution and abundance using a case-control design. This enables predictions of the surveillance sensitivity of citizen reporting of exotic species of biosecurity interest. • For highly featured and/or large exotic insect pests, citizen reporting may provide adequate surveillance for plant health needs. • Exotic insect species for which citizen reporting is unlikely to be effective can be predicted in advance.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 77%

Crowd surveillance: estimating citizen science reporting probabilities for insects of biosecurity concern

2019

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“…The 'many eyes hypothesis' has been used to describe the efficiency of marine citizen science in generating data across vast spatio-temporal scales and across multiple taxa (Hochachka et al 1999;Dickinson et al 2012;Thomas et al 2017). This hypothesis, in the case of animal aggregations, shows a larger group size has extended individual feeding times and an increased likelihood of detecting predators compared to smaller groups (Lima 1995).…”

Section: The Many Eyes Hypothesismentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This hypothesis, in the case of animal aggregations, shows a larger group size has extended individual feeding times and an increased likelihood of detecting predators compared to smaller groups (Lima 1995). When applied to citizen science, it demonstrates that a network of citizen scientists with clearly defined protocols and realistic survey aims is capable of surveying vast areas (Ponti et al 2011b;Cerrano et al 2012Cerrano et al , 2017, which increases the chances of detection of a species/phenomenon, increases replication rates and decreases individual effort (Hochachka et al 1999;Thomas et al 2017). This 'many eyes' effect has allowed citizen science to benefit landscape ecology and macroecology research by covering extensive spatio-temporal scales (Parmesan and Yohe 2003;Southward et al 2005;Dickinson et al 2010Dickinson et al , 2012Mieszkowska et al 2014;Schläppy et al 2017), alongside providing an efficient means for detecting species with low abundances (e.g.…”

Section: The Many Eyes Hypothesismentioning

confidence: 99%

Science for the Future: The Use of Citizen Science in Marine Research and Conservation

Earp

Liconti

2019

YOUMARES 9 - The Oceans: Our Research, Our Future

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Over the last decade, significant advances in citizen science have occurred, allowing projects to extend in scope from the ocean floor to the Milky Way and cover almost everything in between. These projects have provided costeffective means to collect extensive data sets covering vast spatio-temporal scales that can be used in scientific research, to develop conservation policy and to promote environmental awareness. This review explores the current status of marine citizen science by examining 120 marine citizen science projects. Trends in geographic locations, focal taxa, participant demographics, tasks undertaken and data directionality (i.e. storage and publication) are highlighted, and the challenges and benefits of citizen science to marine research and conservation are reviewed. Marine citizen science projects act primarily at national levels (53.3%) and mainly focus on coastal ocean environments (49.2%) with chordates as the most popular focus taxa (40%). Some form of methodological training for participants is provided by 64.2% of projects, and the most popular tasks undertaken are field surveys (35.8%) and reporting of opportunistic sightings (34.2%). Data quality and participant motivation are among the most common challenges facing projects, but identified strengths include enhanced marine policy, increased scientific knowledge and environmental stewardship. In conclusion , marine citizen science lies at a crossroads of unresolved challenges, demonstrated successes and unrealized potential. However, should the challenges be addressed, the unique capacity of citizen science to broaden the scope of investigations may be the key to the future of marine research and conservation in times of global change and financial hardship.

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“…Furthermore, residents were encouraged to report any fauna (specifically arthropods) sightings to Chevron quarantine management. Adherence to biosecurity protocols and a strong biosecurity culture amongst personnel aided the eradication campaign 41 . Unauthorised consumption of food occurred in only a few cabins, but this was not considered to have impacted on the success of the eradication effort.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biosecurity risks posed by a large sea-going passenger vessel: challenges of terrestrial arthropod species detection and eradication

McKirdy

O’Connor

Thomas

et al. 2019

Sci Rep

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Large sea-going passenger vessels can pose a high biosecurity risk. The risk posed by marine species is well documented, but rarely the risk posed by terrestrial arthropods. We conducted the longest running, most extensive monitoring program of terrestrial arthropods undertaken on board a passenger vessel. Surveillance was conducted over a 19-month period on a large passenger (cruise) vessel that originated in the Baltic Sea (Estonia). The vessel was used as an accommodation facility to house workers at Barrow Island (Australia) for 15 months, during which 73,061 terrestrial arthropods (222 species - four non-indigenous (NIS) to Australia) were collected and identified on board. Detection of Tribolium destructor Uytt., a high-risk NIS to Australia, triggered an eradication effort on the vessel. This effort totalled more than 13,700 human hours and included strict biosecurity protocols to ensure that this and other non-indigenous species (NIS) were not spread from the vessel to Barrow Island or mainland Australia. Our data demonstrate that despite the difficulties of biosecurity on large vessels, stringent protocols can stop NIS spreading from vessels, even where vessel-wide eradication is not possible. We highlight the difficulties associated with detecting and eradicating NIS on large vessels and provide the first detailed list of species that inhabit a vessel of this kind.

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Many eyes on the ground: citizen science is an effective early detection tool for biosecurity

Cited by 40 publications

References 37 publications

Crowd surveillance: estimating citizen science reporting probabilities for insects of biosecurity concern

Crowd surveillance: estimating citizen science reporting probabilities for insects of biosecurity concern

Science for the Future: The Use of Citizen Science in Marine Research and Conservation

Biosecurity risks posed by a large sea-going passenger vessel: challenges of terrestrial arthropod species detection and eradication

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