SELECT students from Tomaree High School recently combed Birubi Beach for pipis, contributing to wider research on the creatures.
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The students measured and weighed the pipis they found during their time on the beach during two days of research.
The data they collected, if it proves to be meaningful, will feed into the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute research to monitor the population of pipis.
"Science on the beach is a real science project for the kids to get some understanding of their environment," teacher Steve Fogwill said.
Participants were the top year 10 science students paired with Aboriginal students.
Each group pegged a 10-metre-square area and sifted 21 buckets of sandy water for pipis which they collected data on. Once collated, it was hoped the research would show density - how many pipis could be found per square metre on the beach.
"Once we work out the mass, we can monitor the harvest rate and ensure it is sustainable," Mr Fogwill said.
Hayley O'Toole, 16, took part in the project on Thursday.
"It's kinda cool to be at the beginning of something that's going to be further investigated," Miss O'Toole said.
