Citizen scientists help track coastal erosion in St. Augustine

A scenic view from the St. Augustine fishing pier overlooking a long, sandy beach with waves meeting the shore. People are visible strolling and enjoying the beach. On the pier’s railing, there is an informational sign about CoastSnap a citizen science monitoring program.

A smartphone and a designated spot on the beach are all residents need to help track coastal change in St. Augustine. That was the message Peter Adams, Ph.D., shared May 12 with the St. Augustine Gator Club at Amici Italian Restaurant in St. Augustine Beach.

Adams, a professor in UF’s Department of Geological Sciences and a CCS affiliate faculty member, introduced CoastSnap, a citizen science program that uses repeat photography from beach stations to help researchers monitor shoreline change over time.

Pete Adams with his right hand stretched pointing to his presentation projected onto a wall and his right hand is holding a microphone. — Peter Adams, Ph.D., professor in UF’s Department of Geological Sciences, shares how community-collected photographs help researchers track coastal change during a recent St. Augustine Gator Club event.

“CoastSnap gives residents a way to directly contribute to understanding and protecting the coastline,” Adams said.

Images collected at CoastSnap stations help researchers track erosion, beach recovery and coastal dynamics over time, creating a visual record that becomes more valuable with every photograph.

For Brad Childs, president of the St. Augustine Gator Club, the value of community involvement is clear.

“Our coastline is incredibly important to our community, both economically and environmentally,” Childs said. “Changes to the shoreline directly impact the place where we live, work and enjoy life.”