April 11, 2010

Lots of plastic particles less than 20 mm long in wrack line along the mid-beach as well as a fair amount of larger plastics as well as glass bottles, many of which had a cap.

Report Details

Lots of plastic particles less than 20 mm long in wrack line along the mid-beach as well as a fair amount of larger plastics as well as glass bottles, many of which had a cap. There were fewer people than I expected on a Sunday, but it was chilly.

Conditions

Temperature: 52 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 6.

Notable Wildlife

1 adult Western Gull, 1 Black-bellied Plover, 1 Dunlin, 1 Whimbrel (9 on walk back), and 1 American Crow on beach. 1 Turkey Vulture flying low over beach.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Pigeon Guillemot

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam.

Actions & Comments

Lots of large plastics and small plastics (20 mm or less long) in the wrack line along the mid-beach. Small plastics were also in a lower wrack line and in a much higher wrack line on beach in several places. Several glass beverage bottles were also along the mid-beach wrack line.