We ask that volunteers be able to join us for one full day in the field (as a one time commitment). If you are interested in working in the lab, we ask that you come in at least one half day per week, over 3 months.

All participants must be 16 and over, because the project involves lab work.

Location and Days/Times

Field sampling days vary from year to year depending on when the fish are spawning, but generally occur between March 1 and May 31.

Most volunteers meet us at the SERC campus in Edgewater, MD and travel with researchers to the sites. Because of permitting restrictions, a member of the SERC staff must be present at all data collections. In the future, we hope to find ways for individuals to go out on their own to sample at sites convenient to them.

There are opportunities in the lab for volunteers who want to sort through egg and larvae samples using microscopes or help analyze DIDSON images and videos. The timing of these opportunities is flexible.

To sign up or for more information

Contact Alison Cawood, SERC Citizen Science Coordinator, at cawooda@si.edu, 443-482-2271.