Volunteer-led survey

The CRN project gathers information of marine sightings in two ways: ad-hoc/casual sightings and effort-related surveys.

Ad- hoc or casual sightings are records of marine life sent in to us by anyone who uses the coast or sea for work or play. This includes: dog walkers, surfers, fishermen, holidaymakers, anglers, yachtsmen, divers, lifeguards or harbour officers. You can help us to record marine life by sending in what you see. Please click here if you would like to send us details of a marine sighting. 

The CRN project also gathers vital information using effort related surveys. These are surveys carried out by trained and experienced volunteers from coastal observation sites around the North and South coasts. They differ from ad-hoc sightings in that they require more information and time from the surveyor and they can be conducted from the land and from boats.

Within the Cetacean recording network, effort based surveys are surveys conducted by dedicated volunteers from between a minimum of 1 hour to a maximum of 4 hours at least once a week. Effort related surveys are fairly flexible and depending on what the aims of the project are, they can be conducted in a block period or as frequently as the surveyor can commit to.

The land-based & sea-based recording forms from Sea Watch foundation require two pieces of information.

1. Environmental data such as sea state, wind direction and visibility.
2. Sightings data including: information on species, first and last seen, group size, number of calves/juveniles, bearing, distance, associated behavior and seabirds.

DBRC and DWT ran an effort related training day in June 2009 which was a great success recruiting 28 new volunteers on the South coast of Devon. As a volunteer for the project, we try hard to hold regular get togethers as an opportunity to meet up and provide feedback. The last meet up was on the North coast of Devon in April 2009.

DBRC runs other effort related surveys under the CRN project that are part of other recording schemes. For example for National Whale and Dolphin Week (Sea Watch foundation) in July 2009, DBRC spent 16 hours on Start Point, South Devon surveying for marinelife. We also ran an ocean vigil in August 2009 as part of the Marine Biological Association (MBA) Wembury bioblitz, a 24 hour environmental survey of Wembury bay.

The data collected is shared with other interested organisations both locally and nationally including Sea Watch Foundation and used to produce a free newsletter (summer and winter) for volunteers which is packed with news about the latest sightings and events.

View the latest marine sightings in Devon 

When observing marine animals and travelling on accredited eco-tourism boats, please be aware of the code of conduct. The WiSe scheme has been set up to deliver training and accreditation for operators of registered passenger and charter vessels who wish to view marine wildlife.