DASSH, the UK Archive for Marine Species and Habitats Data, has begun an exciting new collaboration with Natural England to support the next phase of development of the Marine Citizen Science Network (MCSN).

Funded through Defra’s Marine and Fisheries Research and Development Programme, the initiative will help shape a stronger and more connected future for marine citizen science across England. Through a programme of stakeholder engagement, workshops and community consultation, DASSH and Natural England will work with citizen science schemes, researchers, policymakers and marine stakeholders to co-design new resources and opportunities that enhance the value and impact of marine citizen science.

A major focus of the project will be the development of a new Marine Citizen Science Hub, creating a central space where projects, volunteers and organisations can access guidance, share experiences and connect with others across the marine citizen science community. Alongside this, a new bursary scheme will provide targeted support to help citizen science initiatives strengthen their activities, improve data quality, enhance participation and increase their contribution to the UK’s marine evidence base.