Mile 244 - Wecoma Beach north, Lincoln City, Roads End south - May 10, 2019

Report Details

Observed significant increase in sea star population on the rocks at Chinook Winds. Have been consciously watching at low tide and was pleased when I found one or two but there were too many to actually count stacked on each other. Photo collage attached. Individual photos available. Also encountered couple harvesting mussels and suggested they move to 15th Street outside the Casade Marine Reserve. They said they would check out the map and restrictions and seemed to leave. Photos not posted but available.

Conditions

Temperature: 70 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: -0.5 feet.

Human Activities

Couple collecting massive number of mussels from rocks at Chinook Winds, Lincoln City, Oregon. I think I recognized them as local restauranteurs.

Concerns

Apparent violations: Couple collecting massive number of mussels from rocks at Chinook Winds, Lincoln City, Oregon.

Actions & Comments

I spoke to the couple who came armed with small rigging axe/claw hammer, bags, and 4-wheeled cart clearly harvesting mussels from rocks at Chinook Winds at low tide. I suggested harvesting was not allowed in the Cascade Marine Reserve which included these rocks. I suggested they move their project to the rocks at 15th Street since that was outside the Reserve. They said they were aware of and abiding by the harvesting limits but were not aware of the Cascade Marine Reserve boundary. They slowed down and when it was clear I took their photos (available if requested), they collected their tools, bags and wagon and headed up the Chinook Winds ramp. I also talked to a family about the importance of "taking only photos and leaving only footprints" as the children were pulling mussels from the rocks and did have some they said they collected from the beach. They continued their exploration of the rocks and tide pools.