Seabird Community Science Training

Are you interested in contributing data to an ongoing community science project seeking to better understand marine wildlife populations and to inform best management practices? The Trinidad Coast provides essential habitat for over 100,000 nesting and breeding seabirds. Volunteers are needed to help gather information about seabird and marine mammal populations in order to help these species thrive along the Trinidad Coast. The Seabird Community Science Training and Monitoring program is a collaborative project between the Trinidad Coastal Land Trust, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Northcoast Seabird Protection Network. This free training will include seabird and pinniped identification, population and disturbance data collection techniques, as well as experience in the field with experts observing marine wildlife. Community Scientists will be asked to contribute a minimum of one field monitoring session per month and/or community outreach between April and August. The Seabird Community Science Training is for any community member who wishes to expand their knowledge of coastal wildlife species, spend time at various beautiful ocean vistas, and is able and eager to contribute data to the seabird protection effort. Participants are responsible for transportation to field sites between Patricks Point and Trinidad. TCLT has equipment to loan out, but it is helpful if participants have access to binoculars or spotting scopes. In order to continue keeping our community safe during COVID-19, this year's training includes a mixture of two Zoom training sessions and a weekend outdoor field training session. Participants must agree to wear facial coverings and comply with physical distancing between households throughout the duration of the field session. Training participants must attend both Zoom sessions and one field training session. Participants must also commit to monitoring once a month. Monitoring occurs individually throughout the season. 2021 Spring Training Dates: Required Zoom session March 23, field session on March 27 OR March 28, and Zoom session March 30th. To Register: Visit https://www.trinidadcoastallandtrust.org/seabird-community-science-program.html For more information contact Michelle at: [email protected]