Mile 293 - Rockaway Beach, State Wayside - February 4, 2011

Report Details

It was a rainy morning on the beach, but it appears that the winter storms did not negatively affect the bluff on my mile. The beach was relatively clean of human debris, while several blocks had large concentrations of driftwood/rocks and other blocks had little to none.

Conditions

Temperature: 46 F. Cloud Cover: Rain. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 4.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 2. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 2. Plastic bags, bottles, and lids, cans, rope, food wrappers and disposable lighters were the most common items found on the bech.

Concerns

Litter

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Notable Wildlife

Seagulls

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 3. 1 seagull, 1 murre, and 1 unknown

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.), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.

Actions & Comments

Between NW 10th and NW 6th, there were very few logs, but there were small rocks on the beach from the riprap. Then, between NW 6th and NW 5th, there were large areas of logs and driftwood. Between NW 5th and NW 3rd, there were large, medium, and small rocks on the beach that had been poached from the riprap. The sand has covered the bottom boulders of the riprap and there is a significant slope in the beach. The area between the wayside and church appears unchanged.