Mile 110 - Merchants Beach, Seven Devils State Wayside - June 20, 2007

Report Details

Kelp/algae, shells, small rocks and wood pieces in driftline. Foraging shorebirds at surfline and moving in response to humans. Erosion of bluff and vegetated foredunes. Beach was at low tide which provided access to wide,flat,sandy beach. Almost no litter was observed. Many tide pools and rocks exposed but not visited by humans. Observed deceased Sea Lion on beach with tags and brand.(Reported to Marine Mammal Stranding Network). Also noted vehicle tracks in prohibited area of beach coming from Whiskey Run access point. Need signs on beach noting no vehicle access allowed! Another beautiful day on Oregon's most beautiful beach! Medium human impact (10)-4 walking, 2 playing in sand and 4 rockhunting.

Conditions

Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 10. Walking or running: 4. Playing in sand: 2. Observed pickup tracks in prohibited area from early AM low tide. Vehicle entered area from Whiskey Run access area. Could have been chasing deer from tracks of animals in the sand.

Concerns

Litter

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5.

Notable Wildlife

Normal number of seabirds in surfline. Small amounts of kelp and seaweed in tideline. Beach uncommonly clean.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Observed no live mammals on beach

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Observed deceased Sea Lion approximately 3/4 mile south of Seven Devils Wayside. Mammal approx. 8 feet in length and had brand on back #385 and Tag on flipper 354. Animal on beach in high tide line in last 24 hours.( Reported to Diane Bilderback)

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. Lots of small rocks exposed from eroding sands

Man-made Modifications

Nothing new observed

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Visible retreat of solid bluff. Some more erosion noted on very steep bluffs from wave action

Actions & Comments

No action taken except to report above mentioned deceased mammal.