The First Shoresearch Survey of the Season!

Each summer the team at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust runs a series of surveys called Shoresearch, which aim to record and study the marine life of our local shores. 

These surveys not only helps to increase our overall knowledge and understanding of our local marine environment but also helps to identify and monitor changes that may affect the marine life e.g. climate change, invasive species and local developments. 

The first survey of the season took place last night on Ryde Seafront, just to the left of the pier.

 

We had fantastic weather and lots of interested volunteers who identified many different species of marine life!



Four different species of Anemone were found, including this beautiful   Snakelocks Anemone below:

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If you would like to volunteer and take part in one of the surveys, why not check out the website for more information:

http://www.hiwwt.org.uk/shoresearch

Shoresearch 2013 Season

Each summer the team at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust run a series of surveys called Shoresearch, which aim to record and study the marine life of our local shores.
Some of the keepers here at the park like to get involved in the project and help to run the surveys.
Shoresearch not only helps to increase our overall knowledge and understanding of our local marine environment but also helps to identify and monitor changes that may affect the marine life e.g. climate change, invasive species and local developments.













The surveys are carried out at low tide with the aid of transects and quadrats the diversity, range and quantity of marine ecology identified is recorded down through record sheets, GPS and photographs.
The sites studied provide a range of habitats, including rocky outcrops, shingle and gravel, sand and mudflats as well as some man-made structures.
Volunteers from the local area are encouraged to get involved, as educational outreach is also a key part of the Shoresearch Project.
Equipment and training is provided, with volunteers working in groups led by the Wildlife Trust Marine Officer and Volunteer Coordinator.
PANACHE
This year saw the introduction of new survey methods, advised by the PANACHE (Protected Area Network Across the Channel Ecosystem) project.
This project aims to improve the protection and management of the marine environment through the development of a more coherent approach for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Channel Area.

2013 Season
A total of eleven sites including five on the island were surveyed throughout this season. The island sites were Ryde, St Helens, Freshwater, Colwell Bay and Thorness Bay. Chosen for their diversity not only in species but also habitat, these sites made for some interesting discoveries.
A wide range of species were identified including over 30 species of seaweed and 30 different species of invertebrate.


The data collected from the surveys will be analysed and used to assess the current health and state of the marine ecology and environment.
Comparisons can be made using the information from the surveys from previous years to monitor any changes that may have taken place.


More information on the Shoresearch project can be found on the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust website:
http://www.hiwwt.org.uk/pages/shoresearch.html

Get Involved in a Local Marine Conservation Project!

Each summer the team at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust runs a series of surveys called Shoresearch, which aim to record and study the marine life of our local shores.
Shoresearch not only helps to increase our overall knowledge and understanding of our local marine environment but also helps to identify and monitor changes that may affect the marine life e.g. climate change, invasive species and local developments.
The surveys are very straightforward and are always carried out at low tide. Working in groups you are taught how to identify and record the marine flora and fauna found.
Volunteers are needed in order to ensure that valuable information is collected and action is taken to help preserve our biodiversity-rich shorelines.


 


Charlotte Goswell one of the parks animal keepers is the volunteer coordinator for the surveys that take place here on the island.
If you would like to volunteer and learn more about your local shore and the marine life it contains then please do get in touch!
For more information including dates please visit the Shoresearch website:
http://www.hwt.org.uk/pages/hampshire-and-isle-of-wight-marine-projects-671-shoresearch-675.html
The next survey on the island is at Freshwater Bay on Tuesday 7th August- so do come along and join us!


Booking is essential so please fill out a booking form and email it to shoresearch@hwt.org.uk to register your interest and we’ll contact you with further details.
 Booking form
Alternatively contact the Marine Officer Amy Dale on Amyd@hwt.org.uk or 01489 774444 to book.