Mile 328 - Sunset Beach, Clatsop Plains - May 2, 2010 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

Nice day, a bit windy. Moderate number of cars on the beach. Most behaving themselves but a couple speeding (~40 mph). Several came uncomfortably close to us as we walked -- I can't help but wonder why they would do that with the whole wide beach to play with. Low clam tide, a lot of clammers.Unusual amount of ocean-based plastic debris, most noticeably a lot of water bottles but also broken plastic, and lots of those little pellets. Also several large (~3' x8' x 18") clumps of fishing net / rope. The currents must be pushing the pacific gyre close to the NW coast these days.Came across an illegal dump site up near the dune with about a pickup truck sized load of construction debris, including carpet, paint, buckets, lumber, drink cups, and a 5 gallon bucket full of motor oil. How nice. Reported to OSP and state parks.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 2.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 80. Number of dogs: 20. Walking or running: 30. Other Activities: 50 or so clamming.

Concerns

Driftwood removal, Litter

Apparent violations: illegal dump of construction debris / hazmat, couple of cars speeding; evidence of chain-sawed driftwood.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 40.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. unusual amount of ocean-based plastic, especially water bottles