CHNEP seeking volunteers to coordinate horseshoe crab monitoring

The Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) is seeking one or more Volunteer Coordinator(s) for its Horseshoe Crab Monitoring project in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counties.

In 2015, the Florida Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) and the University of Florida launched a citizen science initiative which trained volunteers to assist biologists in surveying, tagging, and re-sighting Florida’s nesting horseshoe crab populations using a standardized scientific protocol. The program has been so successful that FWRI is expanding its efforts to a statewide level.

Volunteer Coordinator(s) responsibilities (training and assistance will be provided):

• Using tide charts and moon phases, create a schedule to monitor for horseshoe crabs spawning events
• Prepare datasheets and sampling kits
• Recruit and manage volunteer citizen scientists
• Lead survey walks, oversee tagging, and educate others about the program
• Enter data in a timely fashion

Contact outreach@chnep.org and Berlynna Heres at Berlynna.Heres@myfwc.com for more information on this position.