The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking volunteers to monitor the health of Buzzards Bay through its Baywatchers program.

Through the program, which is the largest volunteer-based coastal monitoring effort in New England, volunteers will monitor all of Buzzards Bay’s major rivers, coves, and harbors. Data collected through the program helps the coalition’s efforts to restore and protect the bay.

Volunteers are needed to monitor a number of areas along the South Coast. In Dartmouth, volunteers will cover the Paskamansett River, Salters Pond, and Apponagansett Bay.

Baywatchers volunteer one morning per week between May and September at a designated location in their community. Using a water testing kit, Baywatchers collect samples and measure salinity, temperature, water clarity, and dissolved oxygen at the site. Baywatchers receive training prior to volunteering and do not need a science background.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Director of Monitoring Programs Tony Williams at (508) 999-6363, ext. 203, or williams@savebuzzardsbay.org. For more information about the Baywatchers program, visit savebuzzardsbay.org/baywatchers.