Beached Bird Survey Training

COASST beached bird survey in progress.

The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) organizes a beached bird survey throughout the West Coast. Oregon is an Oregon partner. COASST participants (many of them also CoastWatchers) help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of beached bird mortality on North Pacific beaches.

On Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., COASST will deliver an in-person training session for interested parties and prospective volunteers at Towler Hall, Room 201, Clatsop Community College (1651 Lexington Ave.) in Astoria.  It is COASST’s first in-person training in Oregon since the pandemic began.  The event is free, although for those who choose to volunteer there is a deposit for the excellent manual and other materials.  There will be a short break in the middle of the session for lunch, so bring your own sack lunch, or money to purchase food in the area.

Prospective volunteers will become acquainted with COASST survey protocols through hands-on training, and have a chance to learn more about the seabirds that live in their area. The COASST training provides participants with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources.

COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal, and federal agencies, environmental organizations like Oregon Shores/CoastWatch, and community groups. COASST believes citizens of coastal communities are essential scientific partners in monitoring marine ecosystem health. By collaborating with citizens, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, COASST works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions.  Currently, nearly 1000 participants survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

Participants need no prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.

COVID-19 details: All attendees of this in-person training will be required to provide proof of vaccination for upon arrival. More information at coasst.org/vaccination-requirements. To ensure the safety of all participants, COASST and local partners will monitor local recommendations for in-person gatherings and trainings will be subject to cancellation up until the day before the event. Notice of cancellation will be sent via email.

RSVPs are required. For more information or to register, contact Anna Vallery, (206) 221-6893, coasst@uw.edu.