Mile 202 Report
North Spit Alsea River
January 19, 2015
Due to several recent large storms, we noted a much-higher than normal amount of driftwood on the beach, especially towards the North Alsea River Spit.
Report Details
Due to several recent large storms, we noted a much-higher than normal amount of driftwood on the beach, especially towards the North Alsea River Spit. We also noted a higher amount of debris on the beach, mostly bottles and pieces of plastic. Found objects of note included a rusted propane tank and a large white buoy with no identifying markings.During our survey we encountered one dead Northern Fulmar and six Cassin's Auklets, perhaps part of the large wreck in December. Live animals included a large flock of seagulls congregated at the tip of the spit.Human activity was light-to-moderate, with about 22 individuals noted. Most were walking along the surf, with one family of four playing in the sand. We noted dune modifications occurring near the south end of the Bayshore neighborhood, with fresh rows of beach grass planted to hold down the sand on the dunes.
Conditions
Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 6.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 22. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 17. Playing in sand: 4. Sitting: 1. Most people observed were out enjoying a sunny stroll on the beach. Noted one family playing in the sand.
Concerns
Litter
Notable Wildlife
Noted a large group of seagulls at the tip of the North Alsea River spit.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 7. Found 1 Northern Fulmar and 6 Cassin's Auklets. We tagged them as Nos. 311-317 as part of COASST program.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. Found a buoy and a rusted propane tank on beach
New Development
Bluff development.
Man-made Modifications
Beachgrass planting or removal, New riprap or shoreline protection structures. Noted recent beachgrass planting to hold down dunes.
Report Images
unbound
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Mile 202
North Spit Alsea River
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JLcoasties