Conducting the survey The first step in a beach survey is to record the time, tide height, visibility, and wind force, all of which may affect survey results. This data can be used to look for correlations between human activities and shark attacks. On each survey, volunteers photodocument the beach profile every kilometer. They take the profile at the high tide or berm line. Beach profiles change dramatically from season to season and are useful in determining whether sand is being deposited or washed away.
Surveyors also record observations on the opening and closure of lagoons and stream mouths.
Live animal count Live and dead animal counts are the heart of the beach survey. Birds are counted on the beach area and for 300 feet landward and seaward. As the monitors pass a live animal, they count and identify, using a clicker to count abundant species. We instruct our surveyors never to guess at identification, but to carry the identification only as far as they are certain. Tagged or marked animals are noted, and the information reported to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service.