REEF RAMBLES for Citizen Scientists! Aldinga, February 11

Calling all ocean lovers, marine enthusiasts and citizen scientists!

Reef Watch is back in 2023!

Join Marine Biologists for a guided citizen science adventure in the intertidal reefs at Aldinga Beach on February 11. Intertidal reefs are covered at high tide and exposed at low tide, meaning you can explore them from land and water.

Get your feet wet while learning about our fascinating and unique rock pool flora and fauna!

There’s plenty to behold, including reef crabs, dog whelk (a predatory sea snail), intertidal tube worms, variegated limpets and the vivid waratah anemone.

Learn how to collect data like a bonafide scientist, record your findings on one of the biggest global citizen science platforms (Hello, iNaturalist!) and learn more about the wonders of the Great Southern Reef.

This Reef Ramble will gear you up to collect data using scientific methods that have been monitoring our coastlines for almost 30 years!

The Reef Ramble will involve three activities...

• You’ll learn to monitor all the critters that don’t move, like algae, tube worms and barnacles, using line intercept transects.
• You’ll learn to monitor some of the common gastropod species, like limpets and abalone, using quadrats. 
• You'll learn how to record and identify species using the iNaturalist app, one of the biggest global citizen science platforms.

Because this Reef Ramble will be collecting data, it is ideally suited for people aged 16 years and older. 

Event duration: 90-120 minutes.

Meet: 12:00pm at Aldinga Beach: there is a car park and shelter off the Esplanade at Snapper Point, just past the junction of the Esplanade and Butterworth Road.

Please bring:

• Sunscreen & hat!
• A full water bottle
• Snacks
• Appropriate footwear (enclosed shoes) and clothing (we recommend long sleeves).

*** IMPORTANT ***

• Please arrive on time.
• Please be sun-safe.
• Please book a ticket for each person attending. 
• Please wear enclosed footwear (e.g. sneakers, walking shoes, reef shoes, dive/snorkel boots).
• This event is open to children over 5 years, however parents need to be responsible for and accompany their children on the reef ramble. 
  Additionally, as it involves data collection, it is most suitable for people aged 16+. For events more suited to young children, please select the events titled 'REEF RAMBLES: all ages!' 
  
• Accessibility: there are stairs between the reef and carpark. The reef surface is uneven so please be mindful of trips & slips. This area is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.
• No swimming or snorkeling required - water is less than ankle deep.

This event will be postponed in the event that:

• Weather is above 36 degrees Celsius.
• Rain is forecast.

This project is jointly funded by Conservation SA and Green Adelaide.