Mile 219 - North end of Agate Beach, Yaquina Head south - September 25, 2018

Report Details

During the survey there were 105 people and two dogs on the beach. 38 cars, 10 SUVs, 4 Pickups, and 2 RVs were recorded in the parking area at the end of the survey. There was a great deal of algae present in the wrack line. One notable find was a log covered in an unknown species of barnacle. Several animal casings were discovered (crab, chiton, limpet, etc). 9 dead birds and one Black Rockfish were present on the beach as well.

Conditions

Temperature: 62 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Strong. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 7.6 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 105. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 105. Sitting: 14. Photography: 26. Other Activities: whale watching: 17. Vehicle count was made at the end of the survey, therefore the number of cars was likely greater than accounted for.

Concerns

Litter

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 52. RVs/Buses parking: 2.

Notable Wildlife

black rock fish, Feather boa kelp, California Mussel shells, Bull kelp, Sugar kelp, Turkish towel, Turkish washcloth, sea grass, Iridescent algae, hydroids, Anulipus, barnacles, Coralline algae, red rock crab, kelp crab, Purple sea urchin test, Rock weed, Mossy chiton shell, Odonthalia, Neorhodomela, Endocladia muricata, sponge, Porphyra, Turban snail, Clodophora, Gumboot chiton, Laminaria setchellii, Desmerestia, Alaria, Sea pork, Shield limpet, sand fleas (alive), yellow/purple shore crab, Ulva, Cryptopleura, Plocamium

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 9. Signs of oiling: 1. There were 3 Common Murre (one had red and white zip ties on its wing), 3 Cormorants, 1 Western Gull (yellow zip tie), and 2 unidentifiable birds

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

There was a dead Black Rockfish washed up on the beach, but nothing in unusual numbers.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Styrofoam, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).

Natural Changes

There was evidence of natural erosion along the cliffs. Small rocks and boulders were scattered about their base.