Marine Reserves BioBlitz Training

BioBlitz at Cape Perpetua.\Photo by Tara Dubois.

Those interested in learning more about one of Oregon’s marine reserves while contributing to science are encouraged to participate in this year’s round of BioBlitzes focusing on Oregon’s five marine reserves.

A BioBlitz is a volunteer-based survey of a geographic area with the goal of identifying all the plant and wildlife species that can be found in that area at one time: a snapshot of biodiversity. Participants use the iNaturalist smartphone app to document and identify the species they find. The data contributed by participants can be used by scientists for research. 

An online training session for this year’s BioBlitz activities will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 6-7:30 p.m.  Hosted by the PRIMED Network (Primary Responders in Marine Emergent Disease), the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and presenters from community groups that support each of the five marine reserves, this virtual training will cover BioBlitzes, the iNaturalist app, and how best to participate up and down the coast.

As we are still carefully emerging from covid restrictions, this year’s BioBlitzes will be held with a “hybrid” model.  After the collective training on June 22, participants will visit a marine reserve by themselves or in household groups and record their observations anytime between June 25 and July 26.

Register for the webinar at https://tinyurl.com/BioBlitz2021.