Woodhead Seabed Drifter Recoveries and the Influence of Human, Tidal and Wind Factors

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Abstract
Woodhead seabed drifters that arrive on the beaches of East Anglia are usually found within 48 h (88%) and the positions given are accurate to 1 km (72%). On average about 85% of stranded drifters are returned to the laboratory by the public. Seasonal variation in this percentage return rate is real but may not be important in practical terms. An increase in the reward (now £ 0.25) should increase the return rate, because the reward is the most important single factor in the motivation of the finder. Publicity at the level practised was ineffective, but increased publicity would be difficult to spread evenly over all potential find areas. More persuasive and interesting wording on the drifter might also increase the percentage returned. No positive statistical bias towards recaptures at holiday periods and weekends was found. Inexplicably low returns were made on Fridays and to a lesser extent Saturdays. No statistical bias towards various aspects of the tidal regime itself was found, although the coincidence of a recent release of drifters, the existence of a south-westerly wind regime and a period of spring tides appears to provide a favoured period of drifter stranding. Particular stretches of coast will have their own critical wind direction - drifter return relationship. Because of this, inshore drifter experiments should include repeated releases from at least one station throughout a year.

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