Welcome, fellow beach enthusiasts! Are you prepared for an adventurous and impactful way to spend your summer vacation? Look no further than joining the ranks of beach scientists with the CoastSnap project. This summer, you have the opportunity to transform your beach snapshots into vital data that contributes to the tracking of changing coastlines.

The coastline, much like ourselves, has weathered a tumultuous journey in recent times. With the La Niña weather pattern giving way to El Niño, our beaches have experienced a rollercoaster of changes. Some have witnessed the loss of sand, while others have expanded in width. These transformations often went unnoticed in the past, but thanks to CoastSnap, we are now able to monitor these shifts with unprecedented clarity.

At selected beach viewpoints, CoastSnap has installed camera cradles. All you need to do is place your camera in the cradle, capture a photo, and upload it using the QR code at the station. These snapshots, collected by individuals like yourself, are unveiling the constantly fluctuating state of our coastlines.

To date, almost 50,000 photos have been gathered, offering insights into the dramatic alterations that our beaches have undergone over the years. From beach erosion during storms to substantial beach growth in recent months, the snapshots provide us with a glimpse into the dynamic nature of our beloved beaches. And with smartphones being as ubiquitous as sunscreen in your beach bag, why not incorporate coastal monitoring into your list of holiday activities this summer?

What’s particularly fascinating about CoastSnap is that these photos are not merely aesthetic images. They are converted into miniature satellite images using photogrammetry, enabling us to precisely measure shoreline positions. This means that even the effects of tides throughout the day can be accounted for.

Initially launched in Sydney, CoastSnap has now grown into a global network, boasting over 350 stations in 31 countries across five continents. And the exciting part? All this valuable data is collected by members of the community. From students in West Africa using CoastSnap to study the impact of seaweed to beachgoers in Australia documenting the coastal repercussions of extreme weather events, the movement is rapidly expanding and leaving a profound impact.

But why is all this data so important? Well, with sea levels on the rise and coastlines facing increased pressure from overdevelopment, it is crucial to comprehend the changes occurring along the coast. By monitoring these changes and inputting the data into numerical models, researchers can forecast what the coastline will look like in the future and plan accordingly.

So, as you head out to the beach this summer, keep an eye out for your nearest CoastSnap station. And remember, by taking a snap, you’re not just capturing a picture – you’re contributing to a valuable dataset that will ensure future generations can revel in the coast just as we do today. Therefore, snap away and relish in the joy of being a beach scientist this summer!