Program / 01
Citizen Science
Youth as ocean researchers — collecting real marine data along the Southern California coastline using professional Nikon Z9 cameras, water quality testing kits, and the Marine Debris Tracker app.
Next ProgramBlue LensOur Mission
To bridge the gap between marine technology and ocean conservation through student-led data collection along the Southern California coast.
My Clean Ocean’s Citizen Science program places professional-grade marine research tools directly into the hands of underserved youth. Operating along the Southern California coastline — from Crystal Cove to Laguna Beach — our student researchers collect real data that contributes to global marine science databases.
This isn’t a field trip. It’s a full scientific expedition. Our teams conduct the same ocean health surveys used by professional marine biologists — documenting microplastic pollution, water temperature, fish species diversity, and kelp forest health in real time.
Role 01
Science Officers
Responsible for water quality data collection, species identification, and logging findings into global marine science databases like Clean Swell.
Role 02
Media Officers
Responsible for underwater photography and video documentation using professional Nikon Z9 and Insta360 cameras.
Role 03
Navigation Officers
Responsible for GPS coordinate tracking, expedition logging, and mission documentation throughout the survey.
Phase One · 30 Minutes
The “Pre-Dock” Briefing
Every expedition begins with a mission briefing at the dock. Students receive their research objectives, meet their equipment, and take on their specialist roles.
0:00 – 0:10
Welcome & Safety Briefing
Introduction to My Clean Ocean and the day’s Mission Objective. Students learn what data we are collecting and why it matters for Southern California’s marine ecosystems.
0:10 – 0:20
The Gear Rundown
Students are introduced to professional tools — the Nikon Z9 and Insta360 cameras, water quality testing kits, and the Marine Debris Tracker app used by citizen scientists worldwide.
0:20 – 0:30
Role Assignment
Students are divided into their three specialist roles: Science Officers (data collection), Media Officers (underwater photography and filming), and Navigation Officers (GPS coordinate tracking).
Phase Two · 2.5 Hours
On the Water — The Expedition
Students board the research vessel and head to a designated survey site along the Southern California coast. This is real fieldwork — not simulation.
0:30 – 1:00
Coastal Observation
While heading to the survey site, students log immediate surface sightings — kelp paddies, seabirds, marine wildlife, or floating debris — building observational skills from the moment they leave the dock.
1:00 – 1:45
Station 1 — Visual Survey & Underwater Cinematography
Media Officers deploy underwater cameras to capture high-definition footage of kelp canopy, seafloor habitat, and marine wildlife. Science Officers use identification reference cards to log fish species in the field.
1:45 – 2:30
Station 2 — Water Quality & Marine Debris Audit
Science Officers collect and test water samples for pH, salinity, and temperature. The team skims the surface for microplastics and logs findings into a shared global database supporting Southern California ocean health research.
2:30 – 3:00
The Return Leg
As the vessel returns to dock, the full team discusses the most significant discovery of the day — building critical thinking, scientific communication skills, and genuine environmental empathy.
Phase Three · 1 Hour
Post-Trip — Synthesis
Back on land, students process what they saw, edit their footage, and submit their data to a global marine science database.
3:00 – 3:30
The “Daily Wrap” Edit
Students review their Nikon Z9 footage. Each student selects the single clip that best captures the health or struggle of the ocean they observed — developing both visual literacy and environmental awareness.
3:30 – 4:00
Data Submission
All field data is finalized and uploaded to shared scientific databases. Every participant receives a personalized Citizen Scientist Certificate printed with their name and the GPS coordinates of their mission site — a permanent record of their contribution to marine conservation science.
Why It Matters
Ocean Conservation Starts Here
Southern California’s marine ecosystems — including kelp forests, rocky reefs, and coastal wetlands — face increasing pressure from climate change, microplastic pollution, and habitat destruction. Professional marine biologists cannot monitor every stretch of coastline. That’s where citizen science comes in.
By training young people from underserved communities to collect and submit real scientific data, My Clean Ocean ensures that the next generation of ocean advocates are not just witnesses to the crisis — they are active participants in solving it.
Our student researchers have documented microplastic concentrations, tracked seasonal changes in local fish populations, and contributed visual data that supports ongoing kelp forest restoration efforts along the California coast. Every expedition generates data that matters.
Partner · Sponsor · Fund
Bring Citizen Scienceto Your School
My Clean Ocean partners with schools, community organizations, and youth programs throughout Southern California to bring our Citizen Science expeditions directly to students.