Mile 159 - Oregon Dunes NRA, west of Carter Lake - May 10, 2023

Report Details

This is a beautiful, isolated stretch of coastline. We entered from the north end of Mile 158. (See my Mile 158 report.) There was notably less broken shell and crab casing debris here than on Mile 158, though conditions otherwise were very similar. We saw a dead lancetfish, consistent with other sightings of lancetfish reported recently in the press. Two juvenile bald eagles were picking at it and flying nearby. We also saw many mole crabs burrowing into the sand. An ATV had recently been driving on the beach, in violation of posted regulations. No marine mammals were visible.

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 0.0 feet.

Human Activities

Other Activities: There were fresh footprints in dry sand areas of the beach, from the trail at navigational marker 113 south into Mile 158.. There were fresh ATV tracks on the beach, but it was not clear where they entered or exited the beach.

Concerns

People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas

Apparent violations: Dry sand areas are closed during snowy plover nesting season..

Vehicles

ATVs/OHVs on beach, prohibited: 1.

Notable Wildlife

Two juvenile bald eagles were eating the lancetfish and flying around it. There were numerous mole crabs burrowing into the sand.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

There was a dead lancetfish on the beach, about midway up Mile 159. This was consistent with other recent sightings up and down the coast.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).