Mile 173 - South end of Baker Beach, Sutton Creek, Heceta Beach - May 8, 2012

Report Details

I was able to cross the creek and check out the part of miles 173-174 North of Sutton Creek for the first time this year. Because the beach is fairly inaccessible (unless you come in from the North on horseback) it is usually pristine and free of any human garbage. I found quite a bit of trash this time though, some of which appears to be Japanese tsunami debris. Items included three different types of foam floats (no markings, but typical Japanese), water bottles of an unusual shape, very large beer bottles (thin brown glass, 50+ oz.) and many liquor bottles with Japanese characters stamped into the glass. I also found several very large incandescent light bulbs, and a large animal skull—perhaps a horse. These are all high-windage items, so it makes sense that they might be among the first bits of tsunami debris to wash up on this mile. I did not have my camera with me on this hike, but I brought back several small floats and one of the bottles with Japanese characters stamped on the bottom. Tsunami debris has been reported to NOAA. Snowy plover nesting area has been marked and cordoned off. It appears to be undisturbed and is above the debris field.

Concerns

Litter

Notable Wildlife

various, in flight

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Crab shells--females thrown back by crabbers?

Driftline Content

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

Report Images

cheshire

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