The project **ECOFAM** (Coastal Team of Marine Fauna and Environment Observers) continues to grow to provide fundamental data on marine biodiversity.
The organization Aves Argentinas and the **Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences “B. Rivadavia”** (through its Hydrobiological Station of Puerto Quequén), are leading the project and have decided to expand it. They will incorporate volunteers from Patagonia.
“This step marks an important milestone in the consolidation of this citizen science project, which combines **scientific and community efforts** to monitor the environmental health of the Argentine coasts,” they expressed.
What is ECOFAM about?
ECOFAM aims to generate **reliable data on marine biodiversity** by recording birds, turtles, and marine mammals that wash up dead on the beaches.
These data, collected through the **ArgentiNat** platform, have been validated at a 90% species level. This significantly contributes to scientific knowledge and the **implementation of environmental policies**.
Since its creation more than four years ago, ECOFAM has mobilized **more than 60 active volunteers** on the Buenos Aires coast. They have conducted **3200 hours of beach surveys**, according to the organizations’ data.
Moreover, the program already has over **3800 records of the mentioned species groups**.
The ECOFAM project expands
With the addition of the **Patagonian coasts**, the program extends its presence to a key region. It will add three volunteer nodes in **Las Grutas, Puerto Madryn, and Comodoro Rivadavia/Rada Tilly**.
“Thus, the inclusion of the Patagonian coasts not only reinforces the commitment of Aves Argentinas and the Argentine Museum of Natural Sciences to **marine conservation**, but also promotes the participation of local communities in monitoring their natural environment,” they emphasized.
Volunteers are “the eyes in the field for scientists.” Their work, as they highlight, has allowed them to **identify migration patterns**, peaks of mortality, and unusual events – **such as strandings of humpback whales** –, crucial for making environmental management decisions.
“Through ECOFAM, science and citizenship come together to promote the protection of marine biodiversity and the care of our coastal ecosystems,” pointed out **Aves Argentinas**.
“We invite all those interested in Patagonia and the rest of the Atlantic coast to join as volunteers and be part of this experience, as enriching as it is transformative,” they added.
Those interested can inquire via email at [email protected]
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