So, as a marine biologist and someone who really watches what happens near the water, I’m always amazed by the amazing things and the way the shoreline is always changing. And through the years, I’ve really got a sense of what’s occurring on the shoreline, and I’m eager to share with you what I’ve seen.
Let’s start with surveillance cameras.
Now, let’s talk about beach walks.
Okay, now for coastal observatories.
Let’s start with surveillance cameras.
One of the most helpful instruments I’ve used for watching coastal activity is security cameras. These cameras are set up by the shore, and they keep an eye on things constantly.
They are extremely helpful for monitoring of the shoreline, observing marine life, and identifying anything unusual. For instance, I have observed turtles swimming and witnessed birds building nests. Studies indicate these cameras are enabling us to understand more about the coastlines.
Next up, underwater drones.
To get a truly impressive view, I enjoy using drones that dive deeply into the ocean. These drones capture stunning videos of marine life and the underwater landscape, and that cannot be achieved by human divers alone.
I recall using one to capture a rare image of a coral reef recovering after a severe storm. They even featured that video in a National Geographic program, demonstrating the resilience of our ocean ecosystems.
Now, let’s talk about beach walks.
Walking along the beach is the most effective method to see what’s happening along the shoreline. As I walk along the coast, I am able to see how the waves and tides keep making the shoreline new again.
I’ve observed personally how the coast erosion impacts the residents. The NOAA (NOAA) says the shore is eroding twice as fast as it previously. It’s an issue that requires our attention and take action against.
Okay, now for coastal observatories.
Coastal monitoring stations are big research facilities that observe closely and study what’s happening by the coast. I’ve been lucky to work with these places, where we gather information about all kinds of information, from water condition to what current weather conditions.
These spots are super important for understanding how the shoreline and human activities are connected. We did a study that came out in the Journal of Coastal Studies, showing how climate change is impacting the coast, like coastal erosion and sea-level rise.