Becoming a beach scientist is a snap. Share your photos from iconic beaches to help us better understand and manage our dynamic coast.

Next time you are at one of our CoastSnap locations, become a scientist for the day by helping us measure how our beaches change over time.

Community Shore Monitoring

CoastSnap is an international network of simple camera mounts at beaches that invite the public to take a photo and share it to a website. With your mobile device and our CoastSnap photo cradles, you can capture a valuable record of the shoreline state and share it on our website. Over time, your CoastSnaps will record shoreline erosion and recovery cycles, and any long-term changes, helping us understand why some beaches are more dynamic or resilient than others.

How Does it Work?

In Massachusetts, CoastSnap users upload their photos to MyCoastMA using the QR code or typing in the web address printed on the location instructions. The photos can be viewed through MyCoastMA. Periodically the images will be compiled into time-lapse videos that capture shoreline position and width as it evolves through time. The videos will be shared on the WHOI Sea Grant and partner websites, Facebook, and Instagram.

Where are Massachusetts's CoastSnap Cradles Located?

Town Neck Beach East
Sandwich, MA

Town Neck Beach West
Sandwich, MA

State Beach
Oak Bluffs (Martha’s Vineyard), MA

End of Hummock Pond Road
Nantucket, MA

CoastSnap was created by researchers at the University of New South Wales in Australia and can now be found in 22 countries around the world. For more information on the global CoastSnap effort, see www.facebook.com/coastsnap/

1. Snap the QR code

You’ll find the code on the camera cradle at designated beaches.

2. Share

Place smartphone on the camera cradle, take photo and hit submit.

Your snaps will help to improve the way local communities and governments manage our valuable beach environments.