Marine Debris Survey Introduction

CoastWatchers regularly clean their beaches of marine debris, and for many years CoastWatch has organized a special citizen science marine debris survey, using a protocol from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

NOAA’s method is changing, however, so our marine debris monitoring project will shift as well.  On Tuesday, May 4, at 6 p.m., CoastWatch Volunteer Coordinator Jesse Jones will host a webinar on how to ”Start Your Own Marine Debris Survey on the Oregon Coast.”

Learn how to collect marine debris data on 100 meters of your CoastWatch mile and contribute to a nationwide dataset. Hillary Burgess, new Monitoring Coordinator for NOAA’s Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP) will introduce updated data sheets and survey field guides and a new database site that will go live at the end of April. This training/orientation will include a preview of the new site.

This summer, Jesse intends to begin offering field training on marine debris surveying again.  Till then, this session is the best introduction to the new approach to marine debris.

For more information, contact Jesse Jones, (503) 989-7244, jesse@oregonshores.org.

To register, go here.