Sample Methods of Data collection

The study areas or the three sites were selected for investigation by both the students and the teacher
based on prior knowledge of the coastal zones along the north coast of St. Ann. The three sites that were
selected are as follows:

a) Peach Beach(Site 1) at Discovery Bay: This site is adjacent to Dolphin’s Cove Puerto Seco
Beach to the right and the Fisherman’s Beach to the left
b) Flavours Beach(Site 2) at Runaway Bay: This site is located in a resort area and overlooked by
the residential community of Cardiff Hall
c) Fantasy Beach (Site 3) at Priory. This site is app. 3.8 km away from the parish capital, St. Ann’s
Bay and 700 meters from the adjoining community of Seville heights

The researchers perused the locations of these three sites on a physical map of Jamaica and a careful
examination of these areas was done on digital maps provided by Google Map. Other methods used to
collect the data include the use of cameras and recording devices (phones) to capture visuals and audios
that were pertinent to the researchers’ investigation of the sites.; pH test strips were used to obtain the
potential of hydrogen levels-alkaline, acidic or neutral, a portable digital luggage scale was used to obtain
the weight of solid found on each site. The main solid waste materials that were weighed included glass,
plastic, metal and styrofoam and paper. In addition, the Wrinker test was done to ascertain information
about the dissolved oxygen levels and bacterial water analysis for the coliform levels.

Four site visits were carried out over a six- month period and for each visit the first task that the
researchers had to carryout was that of checking the climatic conditions, which the researchers described
as “vitals of the environment”. Records were made in the investigators’ notebooks on the humidity,
temperature, wind direction and speed, cloud cover and atmospheric pressure. Occasionally, relevant
sketches were done by assigned group members to highlight the notable environmental changes,
degradation and contamination. An informal assessment of the turbidity was also done by the researchers.

Students were divided into six groups with each group having approximately five students. The group
leader assigned specific task to each member in order to ensure that the appropriate documentation was
done. After leaving each site the six groups would regroup for a debriefing. This task was executed to
ensure that the information collected was accurate and to facilitate the collaborating of the data.

After the first visit the researchers were always encouraged by the teacher to be alert when on the sites in
order to record or capture significant changes or disruption from the prior visit. The shore, foreshore and
backshore at each location were carefully examined for not just changes but stagnation. The number and
types of users were also assessed in correlation to the day and time. Water samples were taken from the
sea at each site using plastic containers and solids waste sorted and weighed in order to obtain data about
the impact of humans on these beaches. Another interesting aspect of the investigation was to interview
the users of the beach and the management team present at each site. Below is a guide to the date and
format of investigations:

1st visit: October 16, 2019- test for pH

2nd visit: December 16, 2019- test for Dissolved Oxygen
3rd visit: January 28, 2020- test for Coliform
4th visit March 6, 2020- Solid waste analysis