Mile 188 - Neptune SP, Strawberry Hill Picnic Area - April 9, 2018

Report Details

This was the first time I was able to monitor Mile 188. Over three to four hours of climbing cliffs and outcroppings, checking tidepools, and walking on rocks, I realized what a workout this was. Also, as it was, I was unable to connect the Strawberry Hill area with the Neptune Beach (South) area due to time (and tide) - there was a section of approximately 400-500 feet that went unexplored. I was amazed at the amount of life in the tidepools - innumerable anemones as well as at least 20-25 sea stars (in all three areas) were enjoyed as well as mussels, barnacles, sea lions, and a few birds (what appeared to be swallows on the cliffs). There was also an area (south of Strawberry Hill access) that had human-made plastic trays and dish scrubbers bolted into the rock--inquiry led to the knowledge that these are implements for ongoing monitoring and experimention in rocky shore ecology by the OSU-based Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans (PISCO). Although the water in the tidal pools appeared cloudy/murky, there was a lack of trash and/or plastic except for some particles in the north Strawberry Point area (also, most of the driftwood and erosion from the surf appeared in this area).

Conditions

Temperature: 65 F. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 1.7 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 17. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 15. Playing in sand: 2. Sitting: 3. Tidepooling: 2. Other Activities: Most of the visitors were seeking agates (they were asked) on the beach at Strawberry Point. There were two people, however, who came very close to the sea lions (approximately 20 of them) on the rocks off shore at Strawberry Point.. There were 12 cars at the Strawberry Hill area at 1:15 p.m. which were reduced to 4 by the time the observation ended at approximately 3:45 p.m. There were then 4 cars at the Neptune Beach (South) parking lot when arriving at 3:50 p.m. and 2 when I left at approximately 4:50 p.m.

Concerns

Apparent violations: No appararent violations were noted..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 12.

Notable Wildlife

There were more anemones than I've ever seen in the numerous tidepools in all three areas (Strawberry Hill South and North and Neptune Beach South) as well as sea stars (approximately 20-25 of them) scattered through all three areas. Barnacles and mussels were also plentiful in various sizes as were small crabs. Around 20 harbor seals were sunning themselves on the rocks off shore at the entrance of the Strawberry Hill Park entrance. Birds were few - one crow, a few seagulls, and perhaps a dozen swallows (?) circling the cliffs above the beach.

Stranded Marine Mammals

There were no stranded mammals though, as noted above, there were approximately 20 seals on the rocks off shore (the tide was low/out but rising through the observation).

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Nothing to note.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea). South of Strawberry Hill entrance, there was primarily what appeared to be dried phytoplankton on the rocks above the driftline. North of Strawberry Hill, there was more driftwood with some plastic/micro-plastic beads/particles. There was also little trash seen on either one of these locations as well as Neptune Beach South. Only three large(r) plastic containers were found (and disposed of), one on each section.

New Development

As this was the first observation, I had nothing to compare it with. Pictures, however, were taken and any new development will be noted in the future. FYI - There were/are no residential or commercial buildings as far as I can tell on this mile of the beach.

Man-made Modifications

As mentioned above, there were no modifications.

Natural Changes

Landslides/major boulder falls, Visible retreat of solid bluff. There were several small waterfalls (recent rains) coming from the cliffs with evidence of both recent and not-so-recent landslides especially south of Strawberry Hill park. There was also erosion (from the surf it appears) especially on the north side of the Strawberry Hill access. Little erosion and few waterfalls/landslides were noted on the South Neptune Beach area (mainly rock). Cliff "seep" noted everywhere.

Actions & Comments

Pictures were taken of several of the landslides and three pieces of debris were removed from the beach.