Ever wondered how you can make a real impact on Florida’s wildlife—even without being a trained biologist? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers incredible opportunities for everyday people to contribute to real research. Early results show citizen contributions are filling critical data gaps and helping professionals protect the state’s natural treasures.
What Is Citizen Science?
Citizen science (also known as community or participatory science) invites public volunteers to help collect, analyze, and report data—and it plays a crucial role in environmental monitoring and conservation. Projects range from reporting sightings of injured wildlife, to gathering samples for red tide research, to tagging beach-nesting horseshoe crabs.
FWC’s Citizen Science Programs
Here are some of the best ways to get involved with FWC:
1. Citizen Reporting (Sightings, Surveys & Hotlines)
Report injured or orphaned wildlife (alligators, sea turtles, panthers, non-native species, etc.)
Submit fish‑kill reports, red tide sightings, and other environmental alerts. These volunteer observations provide near-real-time insights to FWC experts monitoring Florida’s diverse ecosystems.
2. Red Tide Monitoring (CSMRT)
Community scientists collect coastal water samples (monthly or during blooms) to help detect Karenia brevis—the algae behind red tide events.
Your samples support an early warning system and help track HABs across Florida waters.
Horseshoe Crab Watch
Participate in beach surveys during nesting season to tag and resight horseshoe crabs.
It’s hands-on science—and a family-friendly way to support shoreline ecology.
Wildlife Monitoring through Partners
Programs like Jay Watch (scrub‑jay), EagleWatch, and the Florida Shorebird Alliance offer structured surveys and nest monitoring through FWC partnerships FWC.
Bats & Bugs Surveys
Report bat activity (including white-nose syndrome) or participate in invertebrate surveys, like horseshoe crab nesting activity FWC.
Why You Should Become a Citizen Scientist
Make a difference. Your observations enrich FWC’s scientific data and help shape wildlife decision-making.
Learn something new. Get trained in species identification, sampling protocols, and data submission.
Connect with nature. Explore forests, beaches, and waterways in a purposeful and meaningful way.
Help your community. Timely reports support public safety and contribute to regional conservation.
Getting Started
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Explore the FWC Citizen Science page for links to projects, hotlines, and survey opportunities fishrulesapp.com.
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Choose a program based on your interests—shorelines, wildlife, water quality, or forest habitats.
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Contact regional coordinators (map available) to schedule training or events—many are region-specific
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Make your first observation. It can be as simple as snapping a photo of a non-native snake or reporting a crab nest.
Your Impact: Real Examples
A bay diver collected water samples that triggered an early red tide alert—helping locals prepare and reduce risks.
Beach volunteers tagged hundreds of horseshoe crabs, enabling scientists to track nesting trends year-over-year.
Community birders and kayakers submitted shorebird sightings that shaped nest‑protection zones and habitat restoration plans.
Ready to Contribute?
Becoming a citizen scientist in Florida is easy, educational—and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re reporting wildlife sightings from your backyard or joining a beach survey, your effort supports the long-term health of our state’s ecosystems. Head over to FWC’s citizen science hub, pick your project, and start collecting data today!