Mile 271 Report
Cape Lookout
September 19, 2020
The main observation was a ladder that was placed perhaps 100 ft.
Report Details
The main observation was a ladder that was placed perhaps 100 ft. above the water at a tricky spot for someone to gain access to the southern part of the cape's end, which goes through sensitive bird and penniped areas. Also, I only saw one sea lion and a couple of seals and no pigeon guillemonts, though the pelican numbers were much higher than I usually see.
Conditions
Temperature: 60 F. Cloud Cover: Foggy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 3.0 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 10. Fishing: 4. Other Activities: Commercial dive with around 10 divers. I saw two boats. One with two fishermen and another with around 10 divers.
Concerns
Climbing bluffs/seastacks
Apparent violations: No one that I saw, but a stout wooden ladder was placed at a tricky spot about 100 ft. above the water within scrambling distance of the cape's tip. This is through a rich nesting area and could have been placed months ago. I notified rangers who were not aware of this. I asked about potential biologist study, but the rangers I spoke to weren't informed of any study..Notable Wildlife
I saw perhaps 200 pelicans, similar number of cormorants and gulls, 6 western grebes, a couple common murres, 0 pigeon guillemots (normally I see a few sprinkled around), 1 sea lion, 2 seals, one whale in the distance, numerous ochre sea stars, healthy mussel beds.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Unusual concentration.
Driftline Content
Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.). Lots of debris on the few gravel beaches fronting caves - floats, a crab trap, etc. I picked up some, but I don't have much room and most of these are tough areas to land and launch.
New Development
Steps down bluff. Not steps, but a ladder mentioned previously. Park rangers notified.
Actions & Comments
Notified three rangers, none knew about this.
yakinsea
CoastWatcher
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