Mile 101 - Face Rock, Bandon Beach, Coquille Point - December 23, 2008

Report Details

The day was cloudy, 45-50 degrees, with a slight breeze from the south. Moderate human impact, 17 people (12 walking, 3 playing in the sand, 2 tidepooling) and 4 dogs. One set of light truck vehicle tracks were observed from near Coquille Point to south of Face Rock. Driftline content was normal (shells, small rocks, ocean-borne plastics). Piles of Bull Kelp were high on the beach due to recent storms. Only birds observed were Western Gulls. One dead immature Western Gull. One dead Harbor Seal, 48 inches without skull. Even though it was low tide (0.0 ft), Purple Ochre Sea Stars could only be seen on rocks that were still far from the surf line. Housing development on the bluff continues with more exposed drainage pipes. Bluff erosion observed, but most probably not recent.

Conditions

Temperature: 48 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 4. Walking or running: 12. Playing in sand: 3. Tidepooling: 2. Vehicles counted were only those at the Face Rock access point. Coquille Point access point was not counted. Light truck vehicle tracks were seen on the beach at Face Rock, extending to Coquille Point.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3. Cars/trucks on beach, prohibited: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Only about two dozen Western Gulls observed; no other birds noted.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Immature Western Gull at Mile 100/101 boundary.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. Harbor Seal, based on remains of gray skin with black streaked spots, dead. Skull not apparently present. GPS N43.11393, W124.43636 at Coquille Point. 48 inches long, with ribs and a few internal organs showing, however, the animal was mostly flat. (Coos County CW Coordinator indicates this is a new animal not previously reported).

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

One Moon Jelly, whole; one partial Moon Jelly.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, 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.

Actions & Comments

Housing development continues from that noted in a prior report dated 6/21/07 by "mauhag". A second house also has exposed drainage pipes - huge eyesore. Erosion of bluff in several locations is probably not recent. We hauled out 5 pounds of trash, mostly plastic; much remains, including a tire. Large piles of Bull Kelp present high on the beach due to recent storms.