Mile 219 Report
North end of Agate Beach, Yaquina Head south
June 21, 2022
Today's observations indicate that the location surveyed is experiencing high levels of human activity.
Report Details
Today's observations indicate that the location surveyed is experiencing high levels of human activity. Many people were observed recreating at the site, tidepooling, strolling or sitting quietly to observe the scenery. The location is also an important habitat area for seabirds and shorebirds. Several species are currently nesting and breeding in the area (mostly on the offshore islands and cliffs), and numerous predator birds were observed attempting to hunt adults or steal eggs. The resident harbor seal colony at Yaquina Head remains a significant presence, and dozens of seals could be seen on the rocks offshore or on the far end of Cobble Beach.Very little trash was present on the beaches today, and erosion, though present, seemed minimally concerning.
Conditions
Temperature: 55 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SE. Tide Level: 2.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 93. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 23. Sitting: 11. Tidepooling: 59.
Concerns
People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas
Apparent violations: A few people were walking on the California mussel beds which are off limits..Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 34.
Notable Wildlife
Harbor seals, oystercatchers, juvenile bald eagle, crows, gulls, songbirds, seabirds, murres, cormorants, tidepool animals.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 4. Four dead birds on Cobble Beach were observed. They all appeared to have died of natural causes. There was one common murre and one cormorant, but the other two specimens were too decomposed to identify.
Stranded Marine Mammals
None
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
None
Driftline Content
Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Very little human-caused marine debris. I found one bit of nautical rope and a few pieces of thin plastic, likely from a single-use water bottle.
New Development
None
Man-made Modifications
None
Natural Changes
Landslides/major boulder falls. One large boulder was observed to have detached from the lower section of the cliffside behind Cobble Beach. It does not appear problematic at this time, so no action will be taking.
YHONA
CoastWatcher
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