North Sea Survey
The North Sea Wildlife Trusts get invovled in all forms of survey work helping us to paint a picture of our marine and coastal wildlife and what it needs in order to survive and thrive. Surveys range from small scale beach cleans, helping us to identify sources of local pollution to detailed habitat mapping. There's something for everyone and we would encourage you to come along and get involved. Anyone, of any age and ability is welcome.
Our main survey programmes concentrate on studying the intertidal and subtidal marine environment. We do this through two volunteer programmes, Shoresearch and Seasearch.
Shoresearch
Shoresearch is a project that aims to build up a picture of the changing intertidal environment through volunteer surveys of the shore. Several different Wildlife Trusts run Shoresearch events, including Kent, Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Yorkshire. No previous knowledge of identification or surveying is needed to take part and the volunteers learn ID and recording skills during the events. As well as being a vital piece of conservation work it is an enjoyable way of discovering the wildlife of the coastal habitat. Events may be geared towards serious surveying or a family orientated awareness days. At present we are currently hosting training sessions for local Wildlife Trusts along the North Sea coastline to encourage them to develop local Shoresearch events so watch our events page for any up and coming surveys!
If you are out at the coast and you spot something unusual, or you would like to record the species that you find, let us know via our contacts page or visit the MARlin (Marine Life Information Network) website:www.marlin.ac.uk/rml.php. This information is sent to the National Biodiversity network where it can be used for conservation and planning purposes
Visit our Shoresearch resources page to download Shoresearch methodology and identification guides.
Seasearch
Seasearch is based on surveying the ocean habitats. Volunteer divers take part in recording and identification courses before organising their own dives or taking part in Seasearch ones. The valuable data collected is used to monitor marine life and how it is changing. All divers are encouraged to join up with the mantra that any dive can be a Seasearch dive! To find out more visit www.seasearch.co.uk
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