>All of us can produce anecdotes based on our own observations, but few 
are large scale enough to replicate an observation many times over so 
that it becomes a scientifically valid result from which useful 
conclusions can be drawn. 

>Is it possible that we could use BeeL  to organise widespread 
experiments/observations that, through all using the same methods and 
recording the observations in the same way could result in useful 
scientific data being produced?

Yes, it is possible to use Bee-L to organize experiments/observations that could result in useful scientific data.
No, it is virtually impossible to organize experiments/observations, through all using the same methods and recording the observations in the same way that could result in useful scientific data.

The reason there is a yes and no is because it involves 2 different fields of science.

Economics is the science that looks at complex systems, with multiple variables working together.  You can obtain useful scientific data when you use the science of economics.

When you try to use the scientific method of the hard sciences, you are trying to isolate one thing, and eliminate/minimize all variables.  Simply being in different geographical regions produces enough variables to compromise the quality of the data.

As Jerry pointed out, you need a really large budget if you want to do the study with the scientific method, with everyone doing everything the same way.  A big budget is needed because the wrong tool is being used, trying to understand a different field of science.

If you look at the anecdotal information and observations through the eyes of an economist, you can obtain some very useful, scientific data.

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