How beachgoers are turning snaps into science
BBC Science & Environment · 2026-07-09
Beachgoers at Tyrella Beach in County Down are invited to participate in a global citizen science initiative, CoastSnap, using their smartphones to track coastal changes. Melanie Biausque, a geomorphologist with Geological Survey Northern Ireland, leads the project to monitor coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and climate change impacts. Participants use a specially designed steel cradle on a fence post to ensure consistent photographic angles of a specific beach area, where local volunteers have previously restored sand dunes by planting marram grass and installing protective fencing.
Tyrella was selected for this project due to these prior volunteer efforts, which Biausque seeks to further understand and quantify. The CoastSnap method, originating in Australia and part of the Co-creating Coastal Resilience (CoCor) project, allows scientists to compare multiple historical images, revealing subtle shifts in the coastline over time. Users can anonymously upload photos and add observations, such as vegetation changes or signs of erosion. This data helps scientists understand natural coastal dynamics and predict future changes, enabling informed protection strategies against environmental shifts.
*The full article also explores the "easy-peasy" mechanics of photo submission and the ongoing funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for the Northern Ireland branch of the project.*