A citizen science project
The CYANOWATCH project (Developing an enhanced monitoring and reporting framework for harmful CYANObacteria in WATer through a citizen-centred collaborative approach) is a citizen science project. Its aim is to involve users of aquatic resources in reporting cyanobacterial blooms in bathing waters in Luxembourg and in the Moselle. As a result, all users of these resources, can participate in the monitoring effort.
These data are particularly useful for our understanding of the dynamics of cyanobacteria blooms in Luxembourg. As these blooms vary greatly over time and space, even weekly field visits (or bi-weekly visits in the event of a pre-alert) do not always provide an accurate picture of these dynamics. The active involvement of resource users who are present at other times and places of the water bodies therefore allows for better spatial and temporal.
This initiative is not the first of its kind. Citizen science projects are underway elsewhere in the world, such as in the United States and several European countries. Local projects such as the one involving the Moselle ponds are also being carried out to involve citizens in monitoring cyanobacteria.
After evaluating existing apps, LIST decided to join the Bloomin' Algae initiative launched by the UK Centre for Hydrology and Ecology, following in the footsteps of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway.