1. Know what you are doing

First, make a plan, organize your material and know what everyone is supposed to be doing and make sure everyone has gone over the NaGISA protocol (a modified version will be online soon) carefully. Although field work is fun it is not easy and having a plan will help you get through the day with as few hassles as possible.

2. Questions while sampling

Sampling at high, mid, and low tide, as well as different depths, is an opportunity to see biodiversity first-hand. While you engage in passive sampling, you may wish to consider some of the following questions:

• Does one group/species or another seem to dominate the quadrate?
• What type of organism has the most number of species?
• What are the differences in physical environment between replicates, between heights?
• What are the differences in the types of organisms?

Although you may have a particular assigned area make sure to see all three tidal heights. A great exercise in comparison is to discuss the answers to the above questions in terms of tidal heights or different locations.

3. Clothing and water

Your local shore could be a smooth bank of sand or a stretch of jagged rocks. While beach clothing and footwear may seem adequate for sandy areas, long pants and close-toed shoes are preferable for any kind of shore; they will offer you some protection from lurking animals and sharp edges. You should also wear a hat to stave off sunstroke and bring enough drinking water to prevent dehydration.

4. Dangers on the shore

Exploring the shore is such a happy activity that we often forget that there are dangers lurking. Whether sampling with the NaGISA protocol or just spending a day on the beach, you should take proper precautions and stay alert. Potential hazards differ from location to location, and you should always learn about local currents, weather conditions, and possible harmful animals/plants before visiting the shore.

The great diversity of marine organisms extends to marine toxins as well. Quite a few animals inject venom or exude poisons to assist them in feeding or to ward off predators. Some animals `sting` their prey in to submission during capture, while animals rely on poisons as a necessary defense mechanism. Though curiosity will draw you towards these exotic organisms - as they are often brightly coloured (a warning from mother nature!), you should disturb them as little as possible. Carelessly handling marine organisms can harm them and can endanger your health as well. Wearing long pants and close-toed shoes will lessen the chances of skin contact, and learning the seasonal patterns for local animals is invaluable. You can also learn proper handling techniques. Some of the more dangerous Jellies, for example, are most abundant in late summer. You can touch their gelatinous bell-shaped bodies, but must avoid the stinging cells in their tentacles.

For more information on dangers in the near shore see the` Animals to avoid` page where we introduce some of the more common shore hazards. It is by no means a comprehensive list and should simply used as a stepping stone for you as you find out more detailed information on your specific region.