Citizen Science Aids Coastal Erosion Research in the Bahamas

The idyllic beaches of the Bahamas, once postcard-perfect landscapes of white and pink sand, are facing increasing threats from rising sea levels and intensifying storms. A University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Ph.D. Student is leveraging the power of citizen science to monitor these changes and find potential solutions for coastal erosion.

The Changing Coastline

Divina Cox, a doctoral student in Geography at UCSB , grew up in Nassau, Bahamas, witnessing firsthand the gradual transformation of the coastline. She observed how storms increasingly washed away sand, exposing rocky terrain. This personal experience fueled her academic pursuit of coastal geomorphology, focusing on understanding the impacts of climate change on these vulnerable ecosystems.

Overcoming Research Challenges

Conducting year-round monitoring of Bahamian beaches presented a logistical challenge for Cox. The need for consistent data collection over extended periods required a solution that extended beyond her capacity to be physically present.

CoastSnap: A Citizen Science Solution

Cox discovered a solution in CoastSnap, a smartphone application that enables citizen scientists – locals and beach visitors – to contribute to coastal monitoring efforts. By simply taking photos of the beach using the app, users provide valuable data that can be used to track changes in the coastline over time.

Analyzing the Data

The photos collected through CoastSnap allow Cox to interpret the dynamic processes occurring on Bahamian beaches. This data-driven approach will aid her understand the extent of coastal erosion and identify potential strategies for mitigation and adaptation. Cox is conducting her research under the guidance of her advisor, Ian Walker, at UCSB.

Divina Cox’s Background

Divina Cox holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with minors in Education and Creative Writing, and a Master’s degree in Environmental Science. She has prior experience working on coastal processes in both The Bahamas and Florida. Outside of her academic work, she enjoys scuba diving, exploring the outdoors, fitness, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

This innovative use of citizen science demonstrates the potential for collaborative research to address critical environmental challenges and protect vulnerable coastal communities.