March 28, 2009

It was beach clean-up day on the Oregon Coast, and as usual, it was held in tandem with the "Whale Watching Spoken Here" event, of which one viewing location is along mile 178.

Report Details

It was beach clean-up day on the Oregon Coast, and as usual, it was held in tandem with the "Whale Watching Spoken Here" event, of which one viewing location is along mile 178. When I checked with one of the volunteer staff, she said whale sightings were scarce, but there had been five confirmed ones so far that morning. There were no surprises with litter volume, as I was just there the week before and had a preview of what to expect. Myself, my daughter, and my Dad collectively filled five bags. It was typical litter; styrofoam, plastic bottles, marine debris. With our eyes focused on the ground looking for litter, we ended up finding numerous good sized agates. We also picked up some litter along the highway. With just a few exceptions, all the sea lions seemed to be in the caves again, with 200+ reported inside.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 3. Other Activities: Litter removal. "Whale Watching Spoken Here" program was occurring from the lookout on the bluff above Cape Cove. "Great Oregon Beach Clean-up" was taking place statewide and three generations of my family took part.

Concerns

Litter

Notable Wildlife

A few sea lions on the rocks at North entrance to Sea Lion Caves. By twelve noon, five whale sightings were reported by Whale watching staff today.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. The drift line at Cape Cove is sure a lot cleaner now.

Natural Changes

Newly exposed roots/trees falling, Visible retreat of solid bluff.

Actions & Comments

I continue to keep a close eye on the progression of erosion in a` couple problem areas, documenting it with photos.