algal_reef_biod_proj_plt_div.csv

Citizen science is a valuable approach for large-scale ecological research. Community-based citizen science, in particular, can help local residents better understand their surrounding environment while providing high-resolution data for scientific studies. In this study, we collaborated with residents near the Guanxin Algal Reef Ecosystem Wildlife Refuge in Taiwan to conduct a coastal habitat survey. Due to a national referendum in 2021, this location received media attention; however, the public and even local residents — still lack a full understanding of the area’s environment. Thus, we developed a simple, standardized survey method and trained residents to carry out the survey. Even after the scientists’ team concluded the project, the local residents continued to conduct surveys using the same method. To verify the reliability of data collected with and without scientists' supervision, we compared the datasets using coefficients of variation. The results showed no significant differences between the two datasets, indicating that the data collected independently by residents were reliable and consistent. We then combined the two datasets to analyze coastal habitat ecology regarding organism abundance, species richness, and biodiversity (Shannon index). Our findings revealed that the pebble habitat had the highest Shannon index, while the sand habitat had the lowest abundance, richness, and Shannon index values. The mid-tide zone showed the highest abundance of organisms, and summer and autumn had the highest abundance, richness, and Shannon index values. We predicted species richness and Shannon index across different habitats, tidal zones, and seasons using a species accumulation curve function with twice the sample size. Most results aligned with the original findings, although the sand habitat's predicted richness and Shannon index exceeded that of the algal reef habitat. Our research provides objective, citizen science-based insights to deepen understanding of this region, which has been a focal point of debate in Taiwan.