
Join SECOORA to learn about the Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Reporting System presented by Aspen Cook (Mote Marine Laboratory) on April 4 at noon ET. The tool encourages the public to participate in community science and provides condition reports for beaches and coastal recreation areas.
Abstract
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Reporting System (BCRS) is an online public information and engagement tool that utilizes trained volunteers for regular conditions reporting at 60 coastal locations across three states and encourages the public to participate in community science. BCRS reports aid the public in making informed decisions by providing information on current surf conditions, crowds, debris, drift algae, jellyfish, and certain effects that are commonly associated with the occurrence of harmful algal blooms such as Florida red tide.
In addition to protecting public health and enhancing the experiences of beachgoers and water enthusiasts, the BCRS serves as an educational tool with FAQs, infographics, educational videos, and additional information and data resources available on the website and mobile app. The data collected through the BCRS also aids in scientific research, environmental monitoring, and resource management.
About the Presenter
Aspen Cook is a Senior Environmental Specialist for the Environmental Health Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Phoenix in 2020 with a minor in Psychology, and now leads community outreach and citizen science projects to protect public health by educating and engaging the public in environmental conservation and scientific research.
Related news

SECOORA Webinar on the Rapid Intensification of Hurricane Ian: Warm Subsurface Water on the Wide Continental Shelf
Join us Thursday, April 24th at 12 PM ET for the April installment of the SECOORA Coastal Observing in Your Community Webinar Series! This month, we will hear from Dr. Yonggang Liu from the University of South Florida. He will discuss his research on the rapid intensification of Hurricane Ian in relation to anomalously warm subsurface water on the wide...

Webinar: SECOORA Data Portal Demo
Join us on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET to learn more about the SECOORA Data Portal and how to navigate it. Axiom Data Science will be providing an overview of the portal, including how to search the Catalog and make a custom data view.

Meet the Winners of the Surface Elevation Table (SET) Call for Proposals
SECOORA hosted a request for proposals for the installation of new Surface Elevation Table (SET) stations or the reactivation of historic SET stations within the Southeast region. This opportunity covers the cost of materials and supplies for the stations. Meet the winners here!