March 2, 2017

Report Details

Heceta Beach (Mile 171) has a gazillion pyrosomes (Pyrosomas atlanticus), a pelagic colonial tunicate, washed up on the high water tide line, particularily on the north half near Driftwood Shores Resort (photo). Most were in the 1-5 inch size, with a few bigger ones up to 6 inches in length. The upper beach erosion is still on-going, with a tremendous amount of uncovered driftwood logs and debris now exposed on the previously nothing-but-sand beach (photos). Due to high water flow, the unnamed small stream just south of the Driftwood Shores Resort buildings has carved out a mini-Grand Canyon between the outflow pipe and the ocean. This hasn't happened since 2008 when I started walking this Mile.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S.

Human Activities

Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 10. Sitting: 5.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 11.

Notable Wildlife

Several harbor seals working the near-shore surf.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Gazillions of Pyrosomes at high water line.

Driftline Content

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