Methodology
This Methodology was developed to create a method by which the relevant data for the Scottish Islands could be gathered which also fits in with the international standards of data collected by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and OSPAR.
The SIF Marine Litter Data Collection Methodology allows for data samples of 10 meters or more and there are simplified forms which can be completed. These forms have been modified so that they are tailored to the different islands but also include all the remaining MCS items on a back page to avoid items being missed.
The forms also include local aquaculture and inshore fishing items which are not included on the MCS forms.
It is also possible to link into the Beachwatch teams for beach cleaning groups to organise beach cleans and benefit from the insurance and guidance/publicity for these cleans.
These forms are on our Resources page
The sample can be a length of beach from 10 meters onwards and the width of the beach is from the high tide mark to the edge of the beach. However if large items have come from the beach onto the shore please also include them. If too large to pick up please send photos to us.
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The plan is to pick up all the items in the sample stretch and record them on the SIF ADOPT A BEACH – Data Survey form this will download a .pdf.