Saltmarsh Assessments: Cairns North
Saltmarsh assessments are an extension of our citizen science project, MangroveWatch!
As a team of 10 to 15 people, we will visit saltmarsh sites at the AFP, Airport Boardwalk, and PCYC to collect data on this often overlooked but an ecologically important ecosystem. Prior knowledge about saltmarshes is not necessary, as all training will be given on the day.
By joining us you’re not only contributing much-needed scientific data but will also come away with a deeper understanding of the ecological and cultural values of saltmarshes, as well as the many threats that they face.
We hope you can join us at our saltmarsh group expedition!
PLANNED ITINERARY:
9 am: Meet in the carpark of CAFNEC /carpool to AFP
9:15 am: Briefing on assessment criteria and instructions
9:30 am – 10:15 am: AFP Site
10.15 am Review site results
10.30 am: Carpool to boardwalk site
10. 35 am: Boardwalk site
11.15 am: Review results
11.30 am: Carpool to PCYC
11.45 am: PCYC Site
12.30 pm: Review results/ debrief
WHAT TO BRING:
- Sun-smart clothing
- FULLY CHARGED phone or camera (with GPS)
- Shoes or boots that can get muddy
- Full water bottle
- Small bag to carry water bottle, clipboard, and camera
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
- Worksheets and pens to complete each assessment
- Insect repellent, sunblock
- Additional Water and Fruit
- Cheerful company
Check out some saltmarsh flora and fauna on our iNaturalist project page: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?project_id=mangrovewatch-australia
Learn more about saltmarsh monitoring here:
Funding acknowledgement: This project is currently funded thanks to #CitizenScience Grants by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. It is also proudly supported by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Citizen Science Grants