Phenomer: Citizen Science for Marine Algae Monitoring
Phenomer is an educational Android application aimed at enhancing understanding of marine algal blooms. It allows users to report unusual water color observations, which may indicate microalgal proliferation. By submitting photos and geographical data, users contribute to a scientific database, facilitating the identification of responsible microalgae species. The app also guides users in collecting water samples, essential for scientific analysis.
This participatory science initiative, led by Ifremer and its partners, seeks to uncover the environmental conditions that lead to algal blooms and monitor their biodiversity over time. With blooms occurring globally and being difficult to predict, citizen involvement significantly increases detection chances. Phenomer not only educates users about microalgae's ecological importance but also engages them in vital marine research.
