EnviroKids 38 Marine & Blue Flag Summer 2017

Let’s look after our beaches together! Below are some eas\ and fun to ¿nd signs of a health\ beach 8se this hand\ checklist to help Inspector %lue )lag assess \our faYourite beach INSPECT YOUR BEACH CheCklist Cleanliness W no litter in sight W bins for rubbish W dog walkers in dog-walking zones only W dog walkers clean up their dog’s poo W no layer of oil on water W no sight or smell of sewage

Look out for: W tracks and pawprints (e.g. from visiting Cape clawless otters or nesting turtles) W seabirds and their nests W snails W crabs W critters that help to keep the beach clean (e.g. giant beach pill bugs that nibble away at kelp) W kelp and seaweed create a unique home for many beach animals. It¶s a good sign if you find wildlife, or evidence of it, on the beach. Be careful where you walk and never disturb the animals you spot! Safety and services W Clean, working toilets W Lifeguard, beach steward or other beach official Healthy surrounding ecosystem W Surrounding areas are natural and well protected W No informal pathways W No alien vegetation W Sand dunes (these are home to many special plants and animals)

Wildlife can get tangled in fishing line, seabirds and turtles can swallow

Info boards W Clear rules about how to use the beach W Numbers to call in an emergency W Information on vulnerable local plants and animals Signs of life The beach is home for many animals, who may leave or even die if their environment isn’t healthy. &all a beach of¿cial if \ou see an\thing out of the ordinar\ or ¿nd inMured or dead animals plastic, and fish sometimes swallow the tiny pieces of plastic that we find difficult to spot. Make it a habit to do a quick cleanup with friends and family each time you visit the beach. 1 % 1eYer collect unh\gienic items

Send in your checklist and you could win a free subscription to EnviroKids! Name: ___________________________________ Age: _____________________________________ Beach: ___________________________________ Date of inspection: __________________________

26 EnviroKids Vol. 38(4), Summer 2017

Words Lauren De Vos