Be a citizen scientist this summer with Coastal Watch
Coastal Watch is dedicated to preserving local estuaries and oceans for future generations through initiatives that promote the conservation of the islands. It is important to work locally, so the team is encouraging the community to get involved to help execute projects that will benefit the Sanibel and Captiva environments.
It will launch a variety of community citizen science projects this summer to engage the public, promote awareness of the projects and create meaningful volunteer opportunities for citizen scientists.
PROPAGULE COLLECTION, POTTING
Through the new Back to Our Roots initiative, Coastal Watch and the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Lab are teaming up to restore mangroves on Southwest Florida barrier islands. Through the program, mangrove propagules are collected, grown and planted at restoration sites to fortify existing mangrove ecosystems and coastlines.
Volunteers are needed for red mangrove propagule collection the week of June 21-25. Buckets will be available for pickup at the Sanibel Sea School throughout the week. Full buckets need to be returned by noon on June 25. Propagule potting will take place at the SCCF Nature Center on June 25 at 2 p.m.
Based on interest, Coastal Watch will facilitate more propagule collection and potting sessions throughout the summer months.
RED TIDE MONITORING
Coastal Watch is one of many Southwest Florida organizations that have been working with the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to record red tide data using the HABscope system. The HABscope is a microscope that utilizes an iPod to record 30-second videos of water samples to determine the sample’s level of Karenia brevis, which is the dinoflagellate algae that causes red tide.
Volunteers are needed to collect water samples at Lighthouse Beach and bring them to the Sanibel Sea School to be counted via HABscope starting on June 7. Water samples will be collected every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sample collection and analysis take about an hour. Coastal Watch may increase sampling frequency during the summer if red tide is present in the area.
Those interested in assisting with the projects or for more information, contact Coastal Watch Conservation Initiative Coordinator Kealy McNeal at kealy@sanibelseaschool.org.
Part of the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation family, Coastal Watch creates and implements conservation initiatives that promote and improve the future of marine resources and coastal heritage. For more information, visit sancapcoastalwatch.org or contact coastalwatch@sanibelseaschool.org.