Mile 198 - Beachside State Park to Reynolds Creek - December 9, 2007

Report Details

In addition to the above comments,we observed copious amounts of bottle caps among our litter.(plastic)Fishing line was present in small amounts for this time of year. We packed out about 15 pounds of trash--primarily plastics and styrofoam.

Conditions

Temperature: 38 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: W. Tide Level: 5.6 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 1. Walking or running: 4. Beachside State Park ,the only access is closed for the season. A caretakers vehicle is in the park. No one else has access.

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: none.

Notable Wildlife

A good presence of sanderling at shoreline for the entire mile. Few gulls, only western.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 3. Two pelagic cormorant just above driftline. One dark phase Northern Fulmar about 100 feet above driftline. The fulmar appeared to have been recent carrion for a raptor or eagle.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. The entire driftline was strewn with razor clam shells--many broken. There was a lack of bull kelp beds--only a couple.

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), 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. plastic flower pots, an orchid (dendronium),building materials--2x4s--some treated, some not. Styrofoam from fishing floats in

Natural Changes

Erosion of vegetated foredune.

Actions & Comments

The erosion mentioned is a natural response to heavy storm and wave action.