4.1.3. Make decisions regarding changes based on initial data When citizen science projects are co-designed together with decision makers to meet their needs, initial data can be generated to inform decisions. For example, the Maine Brook Trout Survey engages volunteer anglers to survey remote ponds and coastal streams to find and
document new populations of wild and sea run brook trout. Data use and action is explicit in program goals: “Data collected [are] verified by biologists and used to inform future fisheries management decisions and to conserve brook trout in Maine.” Survey locations and results are made available as a recruitment tool (see Section 4.1.5) and to share results with volunteers ( e.g., “look where we found new populations of trout and where we can expand fishing opportunities for anglers”).