Citizen Science: Integrating Community Groups Into Basin-Scale Fish Tagging and Recovery Programs

Invitation and Participant Information

You are invited to participate in a research study on Citizen Science: Integrating community groups into basin-scale fish tagging and recovery programs.

The study is being conducted by Prof Lee Baumgartner, Dr Katie Doyle, Dr Vu Vi An, Dr John Rafferty and Mr Jarrad McPherson from the Gulbali Institute at Charles Sturt University.
Charles Sturt University - TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University). CRICOS Provider: 00005F. ABN: 83 878 708 551.

Before you decide whether or not you wish to participate in this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.

What is the purpose of this study?
This research project is interested in understanding why recreational anglers and community members participate in Citizen Science programs that focus on fish migration and the health of river systems. Citizen Science programs have proven to be extremely important in gathering data that can be used to understand river systems and fish migration better. However, there is not much known about what motivates people to participate in Citizen Science programs.

Why have I been invited to participate in this study?
We are seeking recreational anglers and community members with an interest in fish migration and river health generally and we have asked OzFish Unlimited to send this invitation through its communication networks. To participate you need to be over 18 years old.

What does this study involve?
If you agree to participate, you will be asked to provide some demographic information and indicate how much you agree or disagree with 15 statements. This kind of survey is used around the world and is useful in working out the level of pro-environment behaviour people have. Information from this survey will help us design Citizen Science programs that recreational anglers and/or people interested in health rivers would want to join.

Are there risks and benefits to me in taking part in this study?
There is little risk for you in participating in this survey and your responses will be really helpful in shaping how we go about developing Citizen Science programs. The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Some of the statements may cause you to reflect on the state of the environment.

How is this study being paid for?
This research is funded by the Gulbali Institute at Charles Sturt University.

Will taking part in this study (or travelling to) cost me anything, and will I be paid?
The survey takes 5-10 minutes to complete and participation is voluntary.

What if I don't want to take part in this study?
Participation in this research is entirely your choice. Whether or not you decide to participate, is your decision and will not disadvantage you. Only those who give their informed consent and submit responses to the survey will have their data included in the project.

What if I participate and want to withdraw later?
Commencing the survey is inferring that you consent to participate. You can leave the survey at any time if you change your mind and no longer want to participate. However, once you submit responses your data cannot not be withdrawn.

How will my confidentiality be protected?
The study is totally anonymous, if you participate you will not be identified. The survey uses SurveyMonkey and the Privacy Policy and Security Statement for the survey data is available from these links.

The data from the survey will be analysed and the findings will be published in journals. When the journal articles are published, OzFish Unlimited will include the journal details in its newsletters and website. Again, only you will know you have participated in the survey.

What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before deciding?
If you would like further information, please contact John Rafferty (jrafferty@csu.edu.au).

Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?
Charles Sturt University’s Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project [Protocol Number: H23905]. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee through the Research Integrity Unit via the following contact details:
The Presiding Officer
Human Research Ethics Committee
Research Integrity Unit
Locked Bag 588
Wagga Wagga NSW 2678
Phone: (02) 6933 4213
Email: ethics@csu.edu.au

Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated thoroughly, and you will be informed of the outcome.

Thank you for considering this invitation.

Please print this information if you wish to keep a copy for your records (or you can download it from this link: Download)