Coastwatch has extended its autumn shore survey due to disruptions caused by Storm Amy during its first week.
It says it is eager to attract new surveyors, especially in western and northern counties, in areas where there might be seagrass and any area where there are small streams to be checked and nitrate levels tested.
The survey is a snapshot check by citizens of their local shore around low tide, checking on water quality, waste, litter, erosion, shore use and threats seen locally.
Fishing trash in Co. Wexford Photo: Mick Berry
To participate, people chose 500m sites from the Coastwatch map and visit the Coastwatch.org website for more information.
It says that over 500 survey sites have been booked, with 324 already submitted to contribute valuable data to this annual citizen science initiative. It started in 1987 in collaboration with The Irish Times.
Sam Moran found a Winkle in Co Waterford
Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch director said, said that “checking streams is particularly important this year in view of the EU Nitrates derogation discussions”.
“The EPA’s latest report shows the overall quality of surface water is continuing to decline but that is at a large scale and a report up to 2024. Citizens can contribute to the picture right now and see the results over 100s of streams and piped discharges a few weeks later as we report survey high and low lights,”she said.
Early results submitted have already revealed “remarkable biodiversity along some of our shores”, demonstrating “the resilience and richness of coastal ecosystems but also the eagle eyes of citizens and knowledge where to look”, Coastwatch says.
A Brittle Star in Co Kerry Photo: Vincent Hyland
Regional Coastwatch co-ordinators are ready to give a last lot of training sessions for newcomers or those who want to delve deeper into how marine animals live and where one might find them, it says.
The survey is supported by the Department of the Environment, Energy and Climate which allows for free training and a limited number of public transport group travel supports.
Bookings can be made by contacting the regional coordinator in the relevant county or Coastwatch HQ [email protected] to get Nitrate test kits and materials. Survey forms and ID posters can also be downloaded from the website.
To sign up and participate, please visit coastwatch.org
