| The final product has such broad appeal that it is being sold retail in aquarium, museum, and zoo stores, and other related shops. |
Anyone who has ever dropped a field guide into the ocean has wished for an easier way to identify and track the critters they find on the beach. Beachcombers along the Atlantic coastline have gotten their wish with the release of the Beachcomber's Companion—a new publication that can take the activity's sun, salt, sand, and water.
"We spent a lot of time thinking about the little things—the right clip, the right paper, the right pencil—and then spent a couple of months testing it," says Tracey Crago, communicator for the Woods Hole Sea Grant program and one of the companion's developers.
The final product has such broad appeal that it is being sold retail in aquarium, museum, and zoo stores, and other related shops.
The Beachcomber's Companion is a set of 50 slightly larger than bookmark-sized cards held together by a clip, similar to a key ring. Each card features original color artwork of a marine invertebrate common to the Atlantic coast and concise information on identifying a specimen, where to look for it, and a "cool" fact, such as what it eats, or what eats it.
"We have most of the same information" found in traditional field guides, says Crago, "but it is presented in a more friendly way. It's geared to help answer the questions you would naturally ask while exploring the beach."
Included are a species checklist card and a grease pencil that is easily erased to help beachcombers keep track of the day's adventures. It is packaged in a mesh bag, which can be used to collect shells and other specimens.
"This is beachcombing in a bag," Crago explains.
The professionally designed cards are printed on YUPO, a synthetic, extremely durable paper, and have a UV coating. Crago says as long as users rinse the cards when they get home, the set should last through many trips to the beach.
The card sets were expensive to produce, costing $11.95 each. Because of their broad appeal, and to help recoup the cost, Sea Grant turned to retail stores as a way to help distribute the Beachcomber's Companion.
"This is our first foray into the retail market," Crago notes. "We tried to do everything the right way. We got it [peer] reviewed, got it looking good, and we are getting it out there so people can become more informed beachcombers."
While there is much to learn about the retail market, Crago says, "everyone who sees them goes crazy and orders." The companion was released in February, and by May, 20 percent of the initial 5,000 printing already had been sold.
"We haven't even hit the season yet," Crago notes.
The publication also can be ordered off a Web site, which soon will feature e-postcards, virtual beachcombing, and an education section where teachers can submit lesson plans using the cards.
"It's really a fun twist on a traditional field guide," Crago adds. "We have found a new niche market."
To order the Beachcomber's Companion, point your browser to www.beachcomberscompanion.net .
For more information, contact Tracey Crago at (508) 289-2665, or tcrago@whoi.edu .
