Across our planet, our coral reefs face a barrage of threats. From the sweeping impact of climate change to the smaller scale damage caused by localised stressors, like careless diving practices. On top of this, anchoring can cause serious damage to corals and other marine environments like seagrass beds. Even the most careful throw of an anchor can be devastating. In just one instance in Florida in 2019, critically endangered elkhorn corals, that had previously survived Hurricane Irma, were wiped out as a result of a dragged anchor.

There is a challenge. The oceans are big. Really big. 71% of our world, big. The vastness of the marine environment is a logistical and financial nightmare when it comes to studying it. Over the years, modern scientists have come to realize they cannot do it alone. Enter citizen science!