YES! You read the time correctly! Meet at 2:30am for the low tide. You must RSVP. Read on for more info!
Where: Silver Strand State Beach, San Diego In front of The main lifeguard headquarters (https://goo.gl/maps/ZW1EFnTiUtEzhbj46). We must enter the park as a caravan because the gates are locked until I open them to enter. Parking will be free. Participants will be notified of a common meeting location via email.
RSVP: If you can help, please contact: Dr. Sean Bignami, Marine Lab Director | Cell: 805-453-0416
GENERAL INFORMATION
Objectives:
1. Complete 3 intertidal beach transect surveys to assess population demographics.
2. Search the lower sandy intertidal zone for Pismo clams to be used in experiments
Work Description
Intertidal Surveys: Three transects will be run from the upper beach to the water. Sand will be excavated using shovels, one blade-width and one blade-depth in dimension, in 3-meter intervals. Sand is placed into garden carts lined with ¼” wire mesh, then pulled to the water and sieved using buckets of water. All Pismo clams are identified, measured, and recorded. This work can be physically demanding, so please let me know if that is or is not a good match for you.
Clam Searching: Volunteers will use 4-tined cultivator rakes to search the lower intertidal zone for Pismo clams.
Recommended Attire: The survey work and clam searching involves being in the swash zone to some extent, so wear shorts, pants that can get wet, a wetsuit, or waders, along with warm or wind-blocking upper garments, and a hat depending on the local weather forecast. You don't want to be cold, but the shoveling helps with that too! I usually plan for anything I wear to get wet, but try to keep it below the waist. Closed toed shoes or scuba/surf booties are REQUIRED, since you will be working with shovels or rakes. Please bring a head lamp if you have one. We also have several to share.
Food & Water: Water and light snacks will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
