Mile 171 - Heceta Beach South, almost to North Jetty - February 24, 2018

Report Details

Lots of dead things on heceta Beach today. The north half of Mile 171 had a major stranding of Velella velellas (By-The-Wind Sailors) with individuals up to 4-5 inches long - easily the biggest specimens washed ashore in several years (photo). There were also scattered bits and pieces of Moon jellies and Sea Nettle jellies along the mile.A deceased yearling Steller sea lion had just washed ashore (photos) halfway between the North Jetty and the Driftwood Shores Resort. Appears to have died just an hour or two before discovery as the scavangers had not touched it yet. About 5 feet long, no obvious signs of trauma (sharks or bullets), no tags or tattoos. Appears to have been well fed with normal body fat.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: W.

Human Activities

Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 15.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 14.

Stranded Marine Mammals

Total stranded mammals: 1. Dead yearling Steller sea lion

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt).