Occurrence dataset Registered December 21, 2020

    Capturing our Coast (CoCoast) marine citizen science project - data verified via iRecord

    Published by Capturing our Coast

    Description

    This data set contains records for 57 species covered by the project that have been verified by project staff using iRecord verification guidance. Records are from datasets made available via the iRecord verification process from the project website that links to the BRC database for verification purposes.Zero abundance records and associated environmental data are not included.

    Purpose

    Since January 2016, CoCoast has trained almost 3,000 citizen scientists to carry out transect surveys of marine species on UK rocky shores. This army of volunteers continues to collect data across UK coasts, contributing to gaps in our knowledge of marine biodiversity and providing a baseline to explore responses to environmental change. Sharing the data via NBN allows the records to be accessible to potentially help inform future science, conservation and policy.

    Geographic scope

    Description

    UK

    Latitude
    From 49.955317 to 57.999998
    Longitude
    From -6.896179 to 0.999981

    Methodology

    Quality control

    All data is subject to the same verification checking, which aims to ensure that any record that is unusual (due to date, location, species values/identification) is queried, and only accepted if supporting evidence (photo or confirmation from recorder/supporting staff) is provided. All records to date are checked, and the project believes that a high degree of confidence can be placed in this data; however, the project cannot guarantee that all records which pass the verification checks are correct.

    Method steps
    1. Volunteers were trained by project staff nationwide to use a standardised methodology in the field. This involved undertaking surveys of a chosen species package (14 packs available over the project, each containing 7-8 species) along a 30m transect line at one or more shore heights. Species abundance and percentage cover records, along with associated environmental data, were recorded in up to ten randomly placed quadrats per transect. Barnacle surveys were conducted using an adapted methodology.

    Metrics

    Contacts

    • Capturing our Coast

      Originator
      Metadata author
      Organization
      Capturing our Coast
      Roles
      Originator
      Metadata author
    • NBN Atlas

      Distributor
      Organization
      NBN Atlas
      Address
      27 Old Gloucester St, Holborn
      Roles
      Distributor
      Email
    • Jane Delany

      Administrative point of contact
      Roles
      Administrative point of contact
      Email
      Phone

    GBIF registration

    Registration date
    December 21, 2020
    Metadata last modified
    August 02, 2025
    Publication date
    October 07, 2024
    Hosted by
    National Biodiversity Network
    Installation
    NBN Atlas
    Endpoints
    Darwin Core Archive
    Preferred identifier
    10.15468/zugq5h
    Alternative identifiers

    Citation

    Capturing our Coast (2024). Capturing our Coast (CoCoast) marine citizen science project - data verified via iRecord. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/zugq5h accessed via GBIF.org on 2025-08-23.