Immerse yourself in this scene: You’re on your way to the ultimate beach destination, and as you approach, something seems amiss about the coastline. This is because, with La Niña moving on and El Niño taking the reins, the beaches have been on a wild rollercoaster ride. Some beaches have lost sand entirely, while others have expanded into sprawling stretches.
In the past, these changes would have gone unnoticed, but thanks to the CoastSnap project, we are now gathering coastal data like never before. By placing camera cradles at beachside vantage points, CoastSnap encourages people to take snapshots on their smartphones to track beach changes.
Nearly 50,000 photos have been collected so far, and the results have been nothing short of astonishing. From severe beach loss during La Niña storms three years ago to an incredible 60 metres of beach growth in recent months, the captured coastal transformations are truly unprecedented.
The process is straightforward. Simply place your camera in the cradle, take a photo, and upload it using the QR code at the station. Since the position and angle of the photo remain consistent, these snaps help reveal how the beach is evolving over time.
But the project doesn’t just end with photography. Sophisticated algorithms are used to transform each photo into precise satellite-like images, which are then utilized to accurately measure shoreline position. This process, known as photogrammetry, enables us to visually track beach changes and account for varying tides throughout the day.
What began on the Northern Beaches of Sydney in 2017 has now grown into a worldwide network with over 350 CoastSnap stations in 31 countries and across five continents. The beauty of CoastSnap is that it’s a community-driven effort, with different countries and communities using the project to address specific coastal challenges.
For example, in Ghana, West Africa, students are using CoastSnap to study how sargassum, a type of seaweed, impacts local fishing communities. Additionally, on Prince Edward Island in Canada, CoastSnap has documented the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona and is now monitoring the natural recovery of the sand dunes.
In Australia, there are currently 125 CoastSnap stations spread across the country, providing a comprehensive overview of the impact of large-scale weather events on the coast. Last year, during record rainfall, extreme erosion was observed at CoastSnap stations from Queensland to southern New South Wales, offering crucial insights into the effects of torrential rain on coastlines.
Understanding coastal change is vital for planning and managing coastlines, especially in the face of rising sea levels, shifting storm patterns, and increasing urban development along the coast. By maintaining a long-term record of coastal changes, scientists can input this data into models that help predict future coastlines. This is a critical step in planning for the impact of climate change on coastal areas and ensuring the preservation of these beautiful natural spaces for future generations.
So, on your next beach outing, be on the lookout for a CoastSnap station and play your part in keeping our coastlines in check – it’s easier than you might think, and your contribution could make a world of difference to future beachgoers.
