Coastwatch is appealing for citizen scientists to join its annual shore survey, which runs until mid-October.
Already, three volunteer surveyors have identified seagrass beds and meadows in counties Wexford, Dublin and Galway.
Some shorelines which had suffered plastic pollution after bad weather are also reportedly relatively cleaner or free of plastic, according to Coastwatch co-ordinator Karin Dubsky.
However, huge numbers of dying cockles have also been reported on Duncannon shore, Co Wexford, while carpets of green algae and sludge layers have been reported in parts of Dublin Bay and west Cork.
The survey involves volunteers from all walks of life who select 500 metres of shore as a survey unit.
The “eco-audit” of the selected area takes about an hour, during low tide, with friends or family.
“College and school groups, scouts and kayakers are also welcome to join,” Dubsky said.
“Weather permitting the survey effort will peak next weekend at the lowest tides,” she said.
All the required materials, except for water test kits, are on the Coastwatch website where survey sites can also be booked. Coastwatch regional co-ordinators can also help newcomers and groups, she says.
Details on participation involve the following steps, she says:
- 1. Chose a 500m survey unit and book it online www.coastwatch.org
- 2. Read the survey form and guide notes and download ID posters for marine life.
- 3. Join an online training or field work group session if you are new or would like to refresh. Next online session is Mon 25th Sept at 1800 hours.
- 4. Check your shore around low tide and record your findings in photos/on survey form.
- 5. Report back on new phone app, or computer input forms or by posting your results to us.
“We then collate and analyse data to share and discuss it in Trinity College Dublin on December 23rd,” she says.
“Coastwatchers are also invited to an international workshop to plan follow up action,” she says.
She says that Coastwatch is grateful to the Department of Housing marine unit for extra support this year.
A cross-border survey for Lough Foyle is planned for Sunday, Oct 1st.
More details are here
