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Fifty-five new fishers have joined the Siren Citizen Science Network following a series of practical, hands-on workshops held by AMCO in coastal communities across Cameroon, including Limbola, Mabeta, Cap Cameroun, Mboa-Manga, Yoyo, Bamusso, Youpwe, Ionji and Kombo Mukoko.

The workshops, conducted in May 2025, focused on three key areas: downloading the Siren App, setting up user accounts, and learning how to use its core features. The goal was simple: equip these fishers with the skills to document environmental changes and report their sightings through the Siren mobile app as they go about their fishing activities.

“After this workshop, we’re confident these fishers are ready to use the app to track their daily observations and report environmental changes,” said Cedric Ingrid, one of the trainers.

Fishers were encouraged to see their observations as valuable data that can help protect marine ecosystems and sustain fish stocks for future generations. “For me as a local fisherman, it’s an honour to be part of something that protects our marine environment,” said Harry Esombe from Batoke, near Limbe. “I’ll use the app every day and encourage other fishers to join the network too.”

The sessions are a vital step in combining traditional knowledge with digital tools for marine conservation.“I’ll use the Siren App to report sightings of marine mammals and help protect them,” added Allafi Richard, a fisher from Youpwe in Douala.

Launched in 2015, the Siren App is a low-cost, user-friendly tool designed to empower coastal communities. It enables users to report sightings of endangered species, monitor habitat degradation, and identify environmental threats.

“I saw an injured sea turtle at sea recently but didn’t know what to do,” admitted Hillary Nanga, another fisher from Batoke. “Thanks to the training, I now know how to report such cases quickly and properly.”

With 120 active members in Cameroon, the Siren Network demonstrates how simple technology can drive grassroots conservation. The app is now being used in ten countries across Africa and the United Arab Emirates.