Capturing our Coast (CoCoast) marine citizen science project - data verified via iRecord
Citation
Capturing our Coast (2024). Capturing our Coast (CoCoast) marine citizen science project - data verified via iRecord. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/zugq5h accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-12-15.Description
This data set contains records for 57 species covered by the project that have been verified by project staff using iRecord verification guidance. Records are from datasets made available via the iRecord verification process from the project website that links to the BRC database for verification purposes. Zero abundance records and associated environmental data are not included.
Purpose
Since January 2016, CoCoast has trained almost 3,000 citizen scientists to carry out transect surveys of marine species on UK rocky shores. This army of volunteers continues to collect data across UK coasts, contributing to gaps in our knowledge of marine biodiversity and providing a baseline to explore responses to environmental change. Sharing the data via NBN allows the records to be accessible to potentially help inform future science, conservation and policy.
Sampling Description
Quality Control
All data is subject to the same verification checking, which aims to ensure that any record that is unusual (due to date, location, species values/identification) is queried, and only accepted if supporting evidence (photo or confirmation from recorder/supporting staff) is provided. All records to date are checked, and the project believes that a high degree of confidence can be placed in this data; however, the project cannot guarantee that all records which pass the verification checks are correct.Method steps
- Volunteers were trained by project staff nationwide to use a standardised methodology in the field. This involved undertaking surveys of a chosen species package (14 packs available over the project, each containing 7-8 species) along a 30m transect line at one or more shore heights. Species abundance and percentage cover records, along with associated environmental data, were recorded in up to ten randomly placed quadrats per transect. Barnacle surveys were conducted using an adapted methodology.
Taxonomic Coverages
Geographic Coverages
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
originatorCapturing our Coast
metadata author
Capturing our Coast
distributor
NBN Atlas
27 Old Gloucester St, Holborn
London
WC1N 3AX
London
GB
email: admin@nbnatlas.org
Jane Delany
administrative point of contact
Telephone: 0191 2086671
email: jane.delany@ncl.ac.uk