Coastwatch News Archive

All articles related to Coastwatch

Black Oystercatcher with chick. Photo by Heather Roskelley.

Catch These Opportunities for Oystercatcher Survey Training

CoastWatch sponsors a great deal of citizen science activity, but some of our partners in the Oregon Marine Debris Team also offer opportunities to assist in scientific observation. One of these is Portland Audubon, which sponsors a Black Oystercatcher survey and is looking for new volunteers. Black Oystercatcher with chick. Photo by Heather Roskelley....Read more
Patrick Willis.

Newest Member Brings Education Background to Board

Patrick Willis. At its most recent meeting on Saturday, April 9, the Oregon Shores Board of Directors augmented its ranks by voting Patrick Willis to an interim seat. (Under Oregon Shores’ by-laws, the board can appoint new members between annual membership meetings. Such board appointees then stand for election before the membership at the annual meeting.) Pat...Read more

Register Now for ‘Sharing the Coast’ in 2016

An intriguing line-up of speakers, a host of compelling workshops, some fascinating field trips and plenty of opportunity to socialize with fellow coast-lovers await you at this year’s 8 th annual Sharing the Coast Conference. CoastWatch collaborates each year with the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) in sponsoring this annual event, which offers a wealth of information to those...Read more
Photo of King Tide flooding at Netarts Bay, by Tracey Schmidt.

King Tide Project Surges Again

Netarts Bay shoreline during recent King Tide series. Photo by Tracey Schmidt. The second round of this year's King Tide project took place last week with the high tide sequence from November 24-27. The first round took place in October, and photos have been posted. But there is still plenty of opportunity to participate. Get out your cameras and visit the...Read more
Photo of students examining scientific speciments, courtesy of Ocean Inquiry.

Plan Now for ‘Sharing the Coast’ in 2016

Students learning at sea. Photo courtesy of Ocean Inquiry CoastWatch collaborates each year with the Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators (NAME) in sponsoring the annual Sharing the Coast Conference, which offers a wealth of information to those monitoring the coast (CoastWatchers) and those teaching about it and interpreting it for visitors (NAME members,...Read more
Photo of coastal property south of Lost Creek, by Sara Schreiber.

State Parks Approves Riprap Application Despite Objections

Stretch of shoreline south of Lost Creek to be riprapped. Photo by Sara Schreiber. It is no surprise to learn that the riprap application for a lot south of Newport, which had aroused the concern of some CoastWatchers, was approved by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Those interested in seeing the approval and the conditions imposed can find...Read more
Photo of King Tide flooding at Netarts Bay, by Tracey Schmidt.

King Tide Project Looks Toward Next Round in November

Netarts Bay shoreline during recent King Tide series. Photo by Tracey Schmidt. The first round of this year's King Tide project has now been completed, but there is still plenty of opportunity to participate. Get out your cameras and visit the coast during the final two sets of extreme high tide events this year, November 24-27 and December 23-25. For the sixth...Read more
Photo of purple water.

Cause Identified for Purple Tides Noted by CoastWatchers

Mysterious purple patches are being observed along the coast. The answer to the summer's trick CoastWatch question, "What is causing the purple water?" turned out to be "salps." Numerous reports came in over a period of weeks concerning “purple water” or “a gelatinous purple mass” in the water. It took a while to determine the cause, and several suspects were suggested. Finally, though, Caren...Read more
Photo of women recording beached bird data on the beach.

Beached Bird Training Available to South Coast

Conducting the beached bird survey. Photo courtesy of COASST. Those of you at the southern end of the Oregon shore who would like to learn about the beached bird survey can gain an opportunity by traveling a bit further south. A training will take place across the border on Sunday, Oct. 25, noon-5 p.m., at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds Board Room, 421 Hwy...Read more
Photo of King Tide at Yaquina River.

King Tide Project Preparing to Document Year’s Highest Water

A King Tide swamps the Yaquina River. Photo by John Bauer. Prepare to get out the cameras and visit the coast during the 2015 King Tide Events. This year the project focuses on three sets of extreme tides: Oct. 27-29, Nov.24-27, and Dec. 23-25. For the sixth year, CoastWatch is sponsoring the annual King Tide project. This is the Oregon branch of an...Read more