BIOBLITZ!
Recent events:
Coastal Connections BioBlitz – Explore, Record, Protect!
21st Sept 2024 - 10am to 5pm - Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth
What have we found so far?
Our BioBlitz is uncovering incredible wildlife along the Plymouth coastline!
To the left are the latest species recorded by our amazing participants. Click on any thumbnail to explore more about the species and their significance through iNaturalist and click here to browse all our bioblitz wildlife records plus see our latest species total.
Did you take part in our Rock Pool BioBlitz Battle?
If so, you can find out how your team got on here:
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a survey of a specific area to indentify and record as many species of plants, animals, fungi and other wildlife as possible. From wildflowers to crustaceans, butterflies and birdlife, all wildlife counts! We will be using the iNaturalist application to record our findings on the day.
What is the purpose of the event?
- To promote marine and terrestrial conservation.
- To engage the community in citizen science.
- To collect valuable biodiversity data.
Who are the organisers?
- The Rock Pool Project – We are a not-for-profit community interest company, passionate about connecting people of all ages and backgrounds to the incredible wildlife found on our shores.
- Plymouth Sound National Marine Park – Thanks to the Heritage Horizons Awards, we aim to involve every citizen in Plymouth with the park. Reconnecting everyone with Plymouth’s rich natural and historic heritage through innovative activity, digital and capital programmes.
Who can join?
Individuals, families, schools and community groups are all welcome.
How do I get involved?
You can book a ticket through our eventbrite or turn up on the day!!!
What do I need to bring?
- Comfortable clothing and footwear.
- A reusable water bottle.
- Sunscreen and a hat.
- A smartphone or camera for recording Species.
Contribute to the BioBlitz by using iNaturalist
Why use iNaturalist?
iNaturalist is a fantastic tool for people of all levels of knowledge to use. Whether you are trying to report something special or just curious about “What bug is this?” you can use iNaturalist to help.
By using iNaturalist you are able to share images of the wildlife you find while also recording important information about where and when you found it. This information allows for the fellow nature enthusiasts to help with identifying what it is you have found all while allowing for researchers to use the data you have submitted to help with conservation work.
Getting started with iNaturalist
- Download the iNaturalistapp from the Appstore or Google Play Store.
- Create a free account.
- Join the “Coastal Connections BioBlitz 2024” within the app.
Uploading observations during the event
- How to make an observation on the app
- Take photos of all the wildfire you encounter on the day.
- Upload your photos to the app, adding the species name (if you know it).
- Add any additional information to your observation.
- Save your observation to the Coastal Connections BioBlitz project.
- Share your findings with the community!!!
- Taking quality photos
- Make sure to get a good image of your species
- Make sure your subject is well lit and out of the shade.
- Try and get as much of the species into the picture as possible.
- Make sure your cameras GPS is turned on.
- Not sure about an ID?
- While uploading your observation look for the “What did you see?” button. This will provide you with suggestions for potential ID’s.
- The iNaturalist community will be able to suggest possible ID’s for your finds so don’t worry about putting a name if you aren’t sure.
- Ask other people!!! Sometimes the best way to ID something is to put your heads together and work with someone else to figure out what it is, so please feel free to ask for opinions.
- Support and Resources
- iNaturalist has a fantastic range of helpful video tutorials to check out: here.
- If you need help with iNaturalist on the day please feel free to check out our iNaturalist help desk in the Mount Batten Watersports Centre.
Whats going on?
During the day we will be having various workshops lead by the friends and partners of The Rock Pool Project:
10:00 – 11:00:
The Shark Trust – The Great Eggcase hunt
10:00 – 12:00:
Devon Moth Group – Moth Reveal Workshop
11:00 – 12:00:
Epic Epiphytes – Introduction to Epiphytes
13:30 – 15:30:
The Rock Pool Project – Rock Pool Bioblitz Battle
15:30 – 16:30:
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park – Beach Clean with the National Marine Park Rangers
10:00 – 17:00:
Cuttlefish Conservation Initiative – Engagement stand
Plymouth Marine Laboratory – Engagement stand
The Rock Pool Project – Mobile Rock Pool and Microscope Marvels Workshop
Darwin Tree of Life Project – Engagement stand
Marine Biological Association – Membership stand
Ocean Conservation Trust – Engagement stand
Rock Pool BioBlitz Battle Competition
As part of The Rock Pool Project’s BioBlitz we will be awarding prizes based on the following categories:
Whole day:
- Top recorder (most species recorded) – Back of house tour and day entry to the aquarium
- Overall rarest species – Private Rock Pool Safari
BioBlitz Battle:
- BioBlitz Battle winning team – “The Essential Guide to Rockpooling” book
- BioBlitz Battle best species – 7 day free pass for the BLOCK gym
- Top BioBlitz Battle individual scorer – The Shark Trust shark ID guide
To qualify for a prize any records submitted must be verified to research grade.
Winners will be announced on the 25th of September.
Prizes have been donated by the following organisations:
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Cuttlefish Conservation Initiative
The Rock Pool Project
