Mile 116 Report
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
May 7, 2023
There was one dead California Sea Lion low on the beach.
Report Details
There was one dead California Sea Lion low on the beach. I noticed an unfamiliar creature and emailed Dr. Cynthia Trowbridge of OIMB for help identifying, but have not had a response at this time. There was a lot more plastic waste than I have ever seen before, though I do recall a previous report on this mile where the watchers had collected great garbage bags full of trash. I did not take the time to pick it all up, but if I had, I'm sure I could have gotten a large bag full. I did notice some sea stars that looked ill and I will submit a Sea Star Survey after submitting this report.
Conditions
Temperature: 46 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Tide Level: -1.4 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 17. Tidepooling: 15. Fishing: 2. I saw one person with a gallon sized plastic bag looking for things. He may have already collected a gumboot chiton, though I cannot be certain.
Concerns
Litter
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 5.
Notable Wildlife
I discovered two Cucumaria miniata, a sea cucumber I have never found before. Thank you, Dr. Cynthia Trowbridge, for helping me ID this creature!
Stranded Marine Mammals
Total stranded mammals: 1. Long dead California Sea Lion
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). More plastic than I've ever encountered here before.
New Development
Steps down bluff. Noticed some rebar enforcing very casual driftwood steps on main trail to beach, very minimal
Natural Changes
Newly exposed roots/trees falling.
Actions & Comments
I filed a Stranding report with the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network regarding the Dead Sea Lion. I contacted Dr. Cynthia Trowbridge who helped ID things, even as she is on medical leave. Thank you so much, Dr. Trowbridge! I also submitted two Sea Star Observation Surveys, one for the Southern tidepools and one for the Northern. I am not at all sure that worked, doing two on the same day.
Report Images
alaingamerica
CoastWatcher
All Mile 116 Reports
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
There was a beach hazard statement issued and I wanted to see what impact that would have as we were experiencing the first fine weather after so many weeks of cold rain. I was charmed by a family of six playing on the beach, the children even playing in the water.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
I was the only person fool enough to the visit South Cove today.
Elaine Cramer
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
A pleasantly mild day made for a good tidepool walk.
alaingamerica
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
There was one dead California Sea Lion low on the beach.
alaingamerica
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
I returned to Mile 116 for a Sea Star Observation Survey.
alaingamerica
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
The weather had very light cloud cover, but I logged it as Sunny.
alaingamerica
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
A minus tide occurs this Summer weekend and Parks had a sign encouraging the public to explore the tidepools.
alaingamerica
Mile 116
Seven Devils cliffs, Cape Arago South Cove
I came for the minus tide since the weather would be dry.
alaingamerica