GET INVOLVED

Things to Do

Adventure With a Purpose

Paddle the Gulf was established to connect people to the waters that flow into and skirt the coast of the five U.S. Gulf States. We hope visitors to coastal waterways will be inspired to take care of nature and our water resources for future generations.

While out paddling, you can get involved as a citizen scientist or volunteer. Citizen science is a way for everyone to help scientists collect information and answer real world questions. Scientists can’t be everywhere at once, and paddling by kayak or canoe can make it easy to collect information in areas that are hard to reach on land without disturbing wildlife. Getting involved in citizen science efforts can help drive change and have lasting positive effects on our waters. If you’re out on the water and would like to help with these projects, check out some citizen science, education, and volunteer adventures below to learn more.

Citizen Science Adventures

Are you curious about science and interested in working with scientists to answer questions that will help protect wildlife, waterways, and even our safety? Scientists need more eyes and ears on paddle trails (blueways). Anyone can get involved in these projects and help collect data!

Help Track Marine Debris.

Download and use the Marine Debris Tracker App to record trash you cleanup along coastlines and waterways.

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Learn About and Report Microplastics. What's a Nurdle?”

Check out the Nurdle Patrol.

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Watch for and Report Invasive Species.

Check out the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS).

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Education Adventures

Whether you’re out on the water or on land, here are a few opportunities to learn more about our natural and water resources.

Download Species of Interest Identification Cards

View Local Water Levels and Other Weather Conditions.

Access your local water levels, tide and current predictions, and other oceanographic and meteorological conditions.

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Use the Watershed Game and Learn About the Connection Between Land Use and Water Quality.

The Watershed Game is available for educators and outreach professionals to educate and engage local community leaders and youth in the Gulf.

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Volunteer Adventures

Feeling inspired to get involved taking care of our Gulf’s coastal and water resources? Check out these opportunities in your home state.

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ALL STATES: Explore the natural world and help scientists by taking photos of plants and animals as you paddle. (1) Download the iNaturalist app and signup (2) Click “More” - Select “Projects” - Search for “Paddle the Gulf” - Click “Join” (3) On the main page click “Observe” and snap a photo. Select “What did you see?” and then select “Share”. You don’t need to know the species, the community will help “crowdsource” and identify it. Need to learn more about iNaturalist? Access a training video here, https://youtu.be/4rfDl5X4ipI.

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ALL STATES: Join or organize a coastal cleanup. Volunteer to pick-up trash along shorelines and waterways near you and find resources on how to organize a cleanup yourself while tracking the trash you collect. Learn more about marine debris tracking apps here, https://youtu.be/awk2iH27SlA

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TEXAS: Check out the Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program. Derelict crab traps kill a variety of marine animals. Volunteers are needed to collect and count traps.”