Seagrass Observation Guide

A step-by-step guide for logging seagrass rhizome sightings on the Seagrass Spotter platform.

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Getting Started

Accessing the Platform

1. Open the Seagrass Spotter website
2. You will see the homepage with the Purpose and Background sections explaining the project
3. Click the orange "View Observations" button to see existing entries, or navigate using the menu

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How to Log a New Seagrass Observation

Step 1: Navigate to Add Entry

• From the homepage, click "Seagrass" in the navigation menu
• Click the orange "+ Add Entry" button in the top right corner

Step 2: Fill in Your Details

• Enter your name in the "Spotter Name" field (this helps us track who submitted the observation)

Step 3: Record the Location

Option A - Select a Beach Preset:

• Choose from the dropdown list of known beaches (e.g., Playa de Las Américas, Playa del Duque)
• The latitude, longitude, and wave direction will auto-fill

Option B - Enter Custom Coordinates:

• If your location is not in the list, manually enter:
  • Latitude (e.g., 28.0523)
  • Longitude (e.g., -16.7264)
  • Beach Name (optional but helpful)
  • Wave Direction in degrees (0-360°)

Step 4: Record Date and Time

• Select the date when you made the observation
• Select the time of your observation
• This helps correlate your sighting with oceanographic conditions

Step 5: Indicate Seagrass Presence

• Check the "Seagrass Present" box if you found seagrass rhizomes
• Leave it unchecked if you searched but did not find any (this is still valuable data!)

Step 6: Add Notes (Optional)

• Use the "Notes" field to describe:
  • Amount of seagrass found (e.g., "small patch", "abundant")
  • Condition of the rhizomes
  • Any other relevant observations
  • Weather or sea conditions

Step 7: Upload a Photo (Recommended)

• Click "Choose File" to select a photo from your device
• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, GIF
• Maximum file size: 16MB
• Photos help verify sightings and document conditions

Step 8: Submit Your Observation

• Review all your entries
• Click the "Submit Entry" button
• You will see a confirmation message and be redirected to the observations list

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Viewing and Managing Your Observations

View All Observations

• Navigate to Seagrass in the menu
• You will see a table of all submitted observations
• Click on any row to view full details

View Details

• Click the eye icon to see the complete observation including the full-size photo

Edit an Observation

• Click the pencil icon to modify your entry
• Update any fields as needed
• Click "Update Entry" to save changes

Delete an Observation

• Click the red trash icon to delete an entry
• You will be asked to confirm before deletion
• Note: Deleted observations cannot be recovered

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Tips for Quality Observations

1. Be Specific with Location: The more accurate your coordinates, the better we can track seagrass distribution patterns
2. Take Clear Photos: Include something for scale if possible (a coin, your hand, etc.)
3. Note the Conditions: Even brief notes about weather, tide, or wave conditions can be helpful
4. Report Negative Findings: Locations where you searched but found no seagrass are also valuable data points
5. Regular Monitoring: Returning to the same locations over time helps track changes in seagrass populations

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Understanding the Map

• Blue Anchor Icons: Oceanographic monitoring stations
• Green Leaf Icons: Seagrass sightings (darker green = seagrass present, grey = no seagrass found)
• Click any marker to see details and quick links

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Need Help?

For more information about the seagrass restoration project, visit:

• Los Jardineros del Mar
• Innoceana Organization