Eastern Shore project harnesses community for climate science
Citizen scientists on Sober Island, N.S., are taking action to monitor the changes happening on their coastline. Led by Robin Metcalfe, a group of dedicated individuals are using homemade devices like the beach profiler to measure the slope of the beach, tracking how it is evolving over time. This project, which started in the summer, aims to gather weather data and monitor four beaches in the Sheet Harbour area.
Metcalfe, along with other citizen scientists, are determined to document the transformations occurring on their stretch of coastline. The beach profiler is just one of the tools being used to collect valuable data. Metcalfe also has an automated weather station and rain gauge at his house to monitor weather and precipitation in the area. The project not only provides crucial information about the environment but also brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for protecting the coast.
Camilo Botero, an associate researcher at Dalhousie University, initiated the project after realizing the lack of citizen-science monitoring on Nova Scotia beaches. With the support of the Anglican church and the Diocesan Environmental Network, funding was secured for weather stations and other project components. The project has since expanded to involve creating coastal climate teams and recording weather data from homes along the Eastern Shore.
One of the most striking revelations from the project was the scarcity of information about the coastline before the monitoring efforts began. The lack of data presented an opportunity for citizen scientists to step in and fill the gap. By adding more monitoring parameters, such as waves and animal observations, the project aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the changes occurring on the coast.
Kate Sherren, a professor at Dalhousie University, emphasizes the importance of projects like this in increasing people’s awareness of their changing environment. By actively engaging with the ecosystem and making systematic observations, individuals can better understand the impact of climate change on their surroundings. The Eastern Shore monitoring project is a part of a larger research initiative involving universities in Nova Scotia and Quebec, focused on studying how coastal communities are responding to climate change.
As the project continues to expand, more monitoring teams will be added to collect data and identify patterns in coastal changes. The ultimate goal is to empower communities to be better prepared for climate-related events by providing them with the knowledge and resources to adapt. Through collaborative efforts and shared experiences, citizen scientists like Metcalfe are building a hopeful future for their environment, one measurement at a time.
