BioLit – Atlantic, English Channel, North Sea

BioLit : National participatory science programme, Coastal biodiversity observer network (Atlantic, English Channel, North Sea)

Conducted in close partnership with the French National Natural History Museum and Rennes 1 University, BioLit was first interested in monitoring populations in intertidal brown macro-algae within the context of the regression of such ecosystems. Partner associations are currently mobilizing their members through simple procedures devised by scientists so that everyone, from beginners to experts (academics and managers of natural areas), can take part. Either accompanied by naturalists, or on their own, participants use their smartphones, tablets or paper documents to record information for databases which will subsequently be processed by scientists in order to better know and understand our environment.

Other themes are currently being imagined. The monitoring programmes being considered relate to both native and non-native species.

To increase observations in the field, we are currently developing the network of participants nationwide. Partnerships are being built simultaneously with naturalist organisations and stakeholders, o that the coast might take on greater importance (in terms of collectivities, towns, managers of natural spaces, environmental education establishments, outdoor centres, etc.).