Mile 243 Report
Wecoma Beach, Lincoln City
December 8, 2023
For the first time, no dead birds or mammals seen, but many dead fish at the wrack line today.
Report Details
For the first time, no dead birds or mammals seen, but many dead fish at the wrack line today. They were each about 18-22 inches long, in various stages of decomposition, being feasted upon by seagulls. Very rough count from NW 34th to NW 30th St would be about 3 dozen fish. Concentration of them thinned further south, with few seen closer to NW 15th St.
Conditions
Temperature: 48 F. Cloud Cover: Partly Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 1.5 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 20. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 14. Sitting: 3. Tidepooling: 3. Other Activities: 2 of the "being active" people were collecting rocks. The 3 "enjoying" people were sitting in vehicles on the beach in allowed area.. Strong smell of diesel north of NW 15th Street access (4 vehicles on beach)
Concerns
Litter, People/dogs/vehicles in closure areas
Apparent violations: 2 separate sheets of plastic trash Tire tracks entering beach at Wecoma/NW 34th St entrance but no vehicle seen there (closure area).Vehicles
Cars/trucks on beach, allowed: 4.
Notable Wildlife
Saw only gulls today. They were largely near the wrack line feasting on the dead fish.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Unusual concentration. Many (maybe 3 dozen?) dead fish in various stages of decomposition on wrack line, esp near NW 34th St and decreasing concentration moving south. Fish type unknown, see photos. About 18-22 inches long. Seagulls feasting.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, Wood pieces, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Ocean based debris just the fish
Man-made Modifications
Graffiti formerly at NW 21st St entrance has been painted over
Report Images
Patty Gardner
CoastWatcher
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