CoastSnap community pictures initiative to show how Peel and South West beaches change over time

Beachgoers from Rockingham to Busselton may be able to improve, manage and protect their favourite coastline just by taking a picture.

CoastSnap is an initiative run by Peron Naturaliste Partnership and The University of Western Australia that involves residents taking pictures along specific coastal points to monitor how the coastline changes over time.

Snap-happy residents are also given the opportunity to fill out a five-minute survey on what the beach means to them, with the data being used by local governments to better protect and maintain coastlines.

Research Fellow at UWA Dr Carmen Elrick-Barr said the initiative would identify how peoples’ values and perceptions maight change over time with differing beach conditions.

“Data collected from the survey will assist the PNP, the member local governments and other decision makers to better plan and manage coastal areas so that coastal values such as recreational and tourist amenity and public access to the coast are maintained into the future,” she said.

Beaches involved in the States CoastSnap initiative are in Rockingham, Mandurah, Preston Beach, Binningup Beach, Eaton, Bunbury, Dalyellup and Busselton.