On April 7th, students from Escola Voramar in Barcelona and the Split International School in Croatia gathered at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC) for a hands-on citizen science workshop as part of the ProBleu-funded LikeMySea project. This cross-cultural exchange allowed students from different backgrounds to explore marine biodiversity using real-world platforms.
The workshop introduced students to the fundamentals of citizen science and marine biodiversity monitoring using MINKA, an open citizen science platform developed by ICM-CSIC. Participants learned how to record species sightings and environmental observations along the Barcelona coastline, fostering a deeper understanding of the local marine ecosystem and the role of community-driven data collection in scientific research.
Throughout the day, students engaged in dynamic discussions and collaborative activities led by researchers from ICM. These scientists guided students through the technical aspects of biodiversity reporting and shared their experiences and research processes, offering an inspiring glimpse into marine science careers.
“This type of experience is extremely valuable for our students. It connects them directly with real scientific institutions and professionals, and makes them realise that protecting the ocean starts with knowledge and participation,” said David Tarrassón, the lead teacher for LikeMySea. “Many of our students were surprised by how much they could contribute to scientific data collection themselves.”
One key component of the workshop was using MINKA to log sightings of marine species, contributing directly to biodiversity records accessible by the wider community. This hands-on engagement reinforced the importance of data sharing and environmental monitoring to foster ocean and water literacy.
The activity was particularly special because it brought together students from two different countries with a shared commitment to water conservation and environmental awareness. While language and cultural differences existed, the students quickly bonded over their mutual curiosity for the sea and their role as young ocean advocates.
The workshop also forms part of a broader initiative under LikeMySea, which aims to promote water literacy and student agency in marine conservation through a variety of educational formats, including fieldwork, inter-school collaboration, and open schooling practices. The event served not only as a scientific learning experience but also as a community-building activity, strengthening the connection between youth, educators, and marine researchers.
As the LikeMySea project continues to unfold, more joint activities and international collaborations are expected. These initiatives demonstrate the potential of ProBleu’s funding to support meaningful, scalable education projects that reach beyond borders, empowering students to take action for the protection of our seas and freshwaters.
Funded by the European Union