OceanExpert ID : 26953
Citizens of the Sea
(Citizens of the Sea)
98 Halifax Street East
Nelson 7010
New Zealand
Type
Private non-profit
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Telephone
+64274676368
Activities
Citizens of the Sea operates two eDNA sampling networks using sailing vessels as mobile monitoring platforms. The first is a cruising rally network, currently anchored by the Pacific Rally, engaging recreational sailors as citizen scientists across the waters of New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Australia. The second is an offshore racing network, with elite competitors in events including the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race collecting samples along global racecourses, reaching some of the most remote ocean environments on the planet. In both networks, sailors are trained in eDNA collection protocols and supported through CitSea's digital platforms. Samples are analysed using eDNA metabarcoding, and CitSea's science team interprets findings to produce peer-reviewed publications, biodiversity reports, and data visualisations. In each country where sampling occurs, CitSea works with government ministries, NGOs, and community conservation groups to co-design sampling priorities, share results in locally relevant formats, and ensure findings contribute to both national policy and on-the-ground conservation action.
