Mile 21 - Pistol River SP south - May 3, 2014 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

The starfish we had seen dead and washed-up near pistol river / ocean coast line had disappeared --probably washed back into sea.As we walked mile 21, we observed hundreds of mole crab exuviae! Their molt had to have taken place within last 4-5 days, as the exuviae were not present on 28 April. Interestingly, the hundreds of shed exoskeletons coincided with a new moon phase, suggesting that the mole crab synchronized their molt with the nocturnally darkest period, perhaps to ensure they could be protected while actively shedding their exoskeleton. It was a very striking event! The only other activity on the beach were gulls bathing. We did see a pair of oystercatchers feeding in the tide pools. No disturbances were made.

Conditions

Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: -0.1 feet.

Notable Wildlife

gulls bathing in Pistol River and Crook Point creek spillage

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). mole crab molts, plastic waste: Two crab bait pots, approx 9 plastic water bottles, plastic bags, caps, & misc. hardware

Actions & Comments

We picked up some plastic waste: Two crab bait pots, approx 9 plastic water bottles, plastic bags, caps, & misc. hardware was taken. But beach was relative clean. There had been no storms within past 4 -5 days.