Marine Survey Day – Sea watch

A two-part volunteer marine survey at Harrington Marina: high-tide Sea Watch observations of marine mammals followed by a Shoresearch survey of intertidal species.

Marine Survey Day pairs a high-tide Sea Watch with a Shoresearch survey at Harrington Marina. Sea Watch is a land-based observation from a high point, recording signs of dolphins, seals, porpoises and other large marine animals; Shoresearch records intertidal species in randomly placed quadrats, with optional walkover and timed searches for indicator species. The Sea Watch vantage involves a steep climb on a grassy cliff; Shoresearch covers rough, uneven, slippery shore for around 300–500 metres and requires bending to identify and record species. CWT says the two halves may take place in either order depending on tides. Its published 7 November schedule is Sea Watch 10:00–12:00 and Shoresearch 13:00–16:00; on 20 February the listed blocks are Sea Watch 11:00–13:00 and Shoresearch 14:00–17:00. The activities are led by trained Marine Champions.