Mile 110 - Merchants Beach, Seven Devils State Wayside - March 22, 2008

Report Details

A nice day to be on the beach between storms. Beach clean and almost litter free. Did not notice any gulls or other birds during my entire time on the beach. Thought this was a little strange. Noticed severe erosion on beach bluffs and many rocks being swept into the ocean. Obviously, the winter storms have had a great effect on this beach. Appears to have lost a lot of sand as the beach seems to drop off more sharply than in the past. Many streams on the beach from upland creeks. Shells, kelp (Bull Kelp entwined with fishing rope), small rocks, wood and some ocean-based debris in driftline. Portion of boat and crab rings on beach. Moderate human impact (11)- 4 walking, 3 playing in surf, 2 playing in sand and 2 sitting. Five dogs. Seven Devils Wayside State Park well maintained--Kudos to State Parks!

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 6.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 11. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 4. Playing in surf: 3. Playing in sand: 2. Sitting: 2.

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: Very little litter; no other concerns noted.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 5.

Notable Wildlife

During the entire mile, I did not observe a single bird of any species on the shore or in the water. I thought this to be somewhat strange.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

None noted

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces. Please See Comment Section

Man-made Modifications

None noted

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune, Major cracks appearing in bluffs, Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Evidence of wave overtopping, Visible retreat of solid bluff, Landslides/major boulder falls. Very noticeable severe erosion to bluffs from winter storms; many small rocks eroding into ocean; sand depletion.

Actions & Comments

Comment on Driftline: Noted 6'x8' piece of broken fishing vessel: 3 commerical crab rings on beach; several large kelp masses with fishng rope and twine.Beach is clean and shows signs of severe winter erosion from winter storms and wave action. Many water streams on the beach from upland creeks. Seven Devil Wayside State Park recieving excellent care with grass mowed and landscape clean. Kudos to the State Parks!