Intertidal monitoring
Intertidal Monitoring is a methodology designed for school groups to be able to contribute to costal stewardship. Having local community groups and individuals take an active role in looking after their coastline fosters “local ownership” and interest.
The GLOBE Canada intertidal monitoring protocols are an adaptation of the BC Shorekeepers: Intertidal Monitoring Guide which was developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to establish a consistent, rigorous intertidal surveying methodology. The method presents a step-by-step process for conducting a study, collecting the data and reporting results. The goals of both programs are to develop long-term intertidal habitat monitoring, necessary to detect gradual changes to habitats and local biodiversity. Intertidal Monitoring aims to collect detailed data at the same site(s) over numerous years following a rigorous monitoring methodology and to report the information on Google Earth for community use. The key to getting reliable scientific data is to use standard survey methods so that everyone is collecting data in the same way over time at all sites.
The Intertidal Monitoring Guide outlined in this website includes information on five features related to mapping and surveying intertidal habitats. They include:
With Intertidal Monitoring, students learn an astonishing amount about intertidal life on the beaches near their communities. By learning to identify different species of marine invertebrates and algae, one begins to appreciate the beauty and complexity that exists. For example, seaweed may seem like a slippery mass growing over the rocks, but a closer look reveals a myriad of delicate seasonal plants, in colours ranging from pink through green, olive, and brown. Have you ever wondered how barnacles survive out of water for so long at low tide? What creature makes those holes in the sand? Are the large logs found in the drift piles permanent fixtures? To what extent do the eco-zones change over time? Our school curriculum asks these questions of our students and teachers. Within this context, the Intertidal Monitoring protocol is a process of great value to many schools as it addresses curriculum goals while serving larger community and global goals.
BEACH SAFETY
Your safety and your behaviour on the beach are very important. Rocky beaches, boulders, surge channels, headlands, and mud flats can be dangerous. Even wide sandy beaches can catch you unawares. Some dangers to keep in mind: boulders can be slippery, especially when covered with algae; large waves can knock a person off of a rock – people drown this way every year; you may be working around a headland, and the tide may come in faster than you realize and cut you off from shore; bears are known to frequent the backshore area of a beach, fog can sweep in and obscure your vision, which may be a problem in isolated areas. To be safe, follow these important rules:
Never work alone.
If your group is widely dispersed, check in and out with the group leader.
Avoid sunstroke by wearing a hat and drinking plenty of water.
Avoid being swept into the water by staying clear of the waves and slippery rocks.
Keep an eye on the rising tide. It is recommended that the study be conducted on a falling tide
Be careful not to get lost or stranded.
Keep track of time.
Be bear aware.
Do not drink from creeks – beaver fever and fecal coliform contamination is widespread.
Try to include one team member who has first aid certification.
Carry a cellular telephone or a VHF radio in case of emergency.
Intertidal Monitoring is a methodology designed for school groups to be able to contribute to costal stewardship. Having local community groups and individuals take an active role in looking after their coastline fosters “local ownership” and interest.
The GLOBE Canada intertidal monitoring protocols are an adaptation of the BC Shorekeepers: Intertidal Monitoring Guide which was developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to establish a consistent, rigorous intertidal surveying methodology. The method presents a step-by-step process for conducting a study, collecting the data and reporting results. The goals of both programs are to develop long-term intertidal habitat monitoring, necessary to detect gradual changes to habitats and local biodiversity. Intertidal Monitoring aims to collect detailed data at the same site(s) over numerous years following a rigorous monitoring methodology and to report the information on Google Earth for community use. The key to getting reliable scientific data is to use standard survey methods so that everyone is collecting data in the same way over time at all sites.
The Intertidal Monitoring Guide outlined in this website includes information on five features related to mapping and surveying intertidal habitats. They include:
- Selection, setting out and mapping the study area
- Conducting a backshore mapping survey
- Mapping the intertidal eco-zones
- Conducting a survey and mapping of driftwood
- Conducting intertidal subplot monitoring at different intertidal elevations
With Intertidal Monitoring, students learn an astonishing amount about intertidal life on the beaches near their communities. By learning to identify different species of marine invertebrates and algae, one begins to appreciate the beauty and complexity that exists. For example, seaweed may seem like a slippery mass growing over the rocks, but a closer look reveals a myriad of delicate seasonal plants, in colours ranging from pink through green, olive, and brown. Have you ever wondered how barnacles survive out of water for so long at low tide? What creature makes those holes in the sand? Are the large logs found in the drift piles permanent fixtures? To what extent do the eco-zones change over time? Our school curriculum asks these questions of our students and teachers. Within this context, the Intertidal Monitoring protocol is a process of great value to many schools as it addresses curriculum goals while serving larger community and global goals.
BEACH SAFETY
Your safety and your behaviour on the beach are very important. Rocky beaches, boulders, surge channels, headlands, and mud flats can be dangerous. Even wide sandy beaches can catch you unawares. Some dangers to keep in mind: boulders can be slippery, especially when covered with algae; large waves can knock a person off of a rock – people drown this way every year; you may be working around a headland, and the tide may come in faster than you realize and cut you off from shore; bears are known to frequent the backshore area of a beach, fog can sweep in and obscure your vision, which may be a problem in isolated areas. To be safe, follow these important rules:
Never work alone.
If your group is widely dispersed, check in and out with the group leader.
Avoid sunstroke by wearing a hat and drinking plenty of water.
Avoid being swept into the water by staying clear of the waves and slippery rocks.
Keep an eye on the rising tide. It is recommended that the study be conducted on a falling tide
Be careful not to get lost or stranded.
Keep track of time.
Be bear aware.
Do not drink from creeks – beaver fever and fecal coliform contamination is widespread.
Try to include one team member who has first aid certification.
Carry a cellular telephone or a VHF radio in case of emergency.