Join the BiodivOcean project and become a marine citizen scientist

Investigate, report and collaborate on biodiversity and microplastics in the ocean.

Welcome to the BiodivOcean project - Explore Biodiversity in the Ocean

Updated: 2026-01-20

BiodivOcean is a project where you, as a participant, investigate biodiversity and microplastics in the ocean. By reporting your results, other participants can use your results, and together you can make comparisons between different countries and locations.

BiodivOcean is based on the VIRTUE method that has been used successfully for more than 30 years. Once you have started your BiodivOcean project, you can find a wealth of information and teaching resources developed for VIRTUE in previous projects on the VIRTUE website.

It's easy to participate in the BiodivOcean project.

Just follow the three steps below.

Participate

The VIRTUE method is based on constructing simple survey devices that are placed in the sea. After a while, the devices are taken up and examined for biodiversity or microplastics. The results are analyzed and reported to open reporting portals. The BiodivOcean project uses the VIRTUE method and the process is described in three simple steps below.