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<p>This study explores the potential of social media as a passive citizen science tool for documenting marine biodiversity in Fiji, offering a cost-effective and inclusive approach to biodiversity monitoring in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Analyzing 67 unique observations posted on Facebook from 2010 to 2024, seven megafauna groups were identified, including whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, wedgefish, seals and dugongs. Whales, dolphins, and sharks were the most frequently reported, with the humpback whale (<i>Megaptera novaeangliae</i>) and the bull shark (<i>Carcharhinus leucas</i>) among the most observed species. Of these observations, 80.6% were identified to species level, while 16.4% were identified only to genus level, highlighting the potential utility of social media for species documentation, despite inherent challenges such as low-quality images and insufficient metadata. Spatially, Facebook posts were only identified from 11 of Fiji’s 14 provinces, with the Rewa province reporting the most shark and ray sightings. However, the absence of standardized formats for posts and the lack of verification for species identification were identified as significant constraints in this process. To address these issues, we recommend introducing specific hashtags and outlining clear posting guidelines. Our findings demonstrate that regional social media can complement traditional monitoring techniques by offering real-time data, increasing public participation, and providing broader spatial and temporal coverage for biodiversity monitoring in PICTs.</p>

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Social media as a tool for documenting endangered and difficult to monitor marine species in Pacific Island Countries with evidence from Fiji

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月11日

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  • Jasha Dehm,
  • Kimberly Samson,
  • Devavrat Bishwa,
  • Kelly T. Brown

摘要

This study explores the potential of social media as a passive citizen science tool for documenting marine biodiversity in Fiji, offering a cost-effective and inclusive approach to biodiversity monitoring in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). Analyzing 67 unique observations posted on Facebook from 2010 to 2024, seven megafauna groups were identified, including whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, wedgefish, seals and dugongs. Whales, dolphins, and sharks were the most frequently reported, with the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) among the most observed species. Of these observations, 80.6% were identified to species level, while 16.4% were identified only to genus level, highlighting the potential utility of social media for species documentation, despite inherent challenges such as low-quality images and insufficient metadata. Spatially, Facebook posts were only identified from 11 of Fiji’s 14 provinces, with the Rewa province reporting the most shark and ray sightings. However, the absence of standardized formats for posts and the lack of verification for species identification were identified as significant constraints in this process. To address these issues, we recommend introducing specific hashtags and outlining clear posting guidelines. Our findings demonstrate that regional social media can complement traditional monitoring techniques by offering real-time data, increasing public participation, and providing broader spatial and temporal coverage for biodiversity monitoring in PICTs.