COASST Marine Debris Training

COASST volunteers sorting debris.\Photo by Hillary Burgess.

COASST (the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team, based at the University of Washington) offers a training session for its marine debris survey.  (This is a different survey, using different methods, from the one conducted by CoastWatch.)  The session runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Suite 100 at the Port of Tillamook Bay’s headquarters (4000 Blimp Blvd.) in Tillamook.  A second training takes place the previous day in Astoria—see separate listing.

The COASST Marine Debris program goes beyond identifying debris.  Participants characterize the debris and measures its abundance in particular zones of the beach.

Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will learn how to collect data that speaks directly to the source and transport pathways of debris, as well as to the potential harm to people, wildlife, and local coastal ecosystems. The COASST training provides participants with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources.

There will be a short break in the session for lunch--bring your own sack lunch, or purchase food in the area. Volunteers need no prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.

RSVPs are helpful.  Contact COASST at 206-221-6893 or coasst@uw.edu. For more information on COASST visit coasst.org.