Mile 123 - Bastendorff Beach east half, South Jetty Coos Bay - February 24, 2013

Report Details

Beach configuration evolving with a now scallop curved shoreline. Sand is building up by the jetty and is probably about 15-20 feet deeper than 6 months ago.The creek was very low, and the number of birds also low. The surf was high, and sand was visible in the waves. Many people were enjoying this sunny, warm day, and their dogs were having a great time too. Most dogs were off leash, but in control. The midsection of the beach was sprinkled with rocks that were about 8-15 inches in diameter; these were not visible several months ago. Sadly the deterioration of the dunes continues as a result of ongoing vehicular traffic. I suspect much of that traffic is late in the day or at night.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 43. Number of dogs: 17. Walking or running: 40. Playing in surf: 3. Once again increasing amounts of deep ruts due to tire tracks.

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: driving on beach.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 20.

Notable Wildlife

several gulls near creek, eel grass, bull kelp

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

none

Driftline Content

Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Styrofoam. 25-30 foot long, foot wide, 8 inches (?) high beams joined with 1 1/2 inch diameter2 foot long iron pieces. Tsunami debris ?

Man-made Modifications

Dune modification/removal. effects of frequent vehicle traffic

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune. erosion due to very high tides