Mile 287 Report
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
August 15, 2019
Warm, sunny summer afternoon that would have almost seemed too warm if it weren't for a strong breeze; surprising that there were only a few folks visiting.
Report Details
Warm, sunny summer afternoon that would have almost seemed too warm if it weren't for a strong breeze; surprising that there were only a few folks visiting. Summer sand accumulations have completely filled in previously eroded sections of foredune. Not much trash on beach, only carried out one small bag of litter. Most notable observation was the massive number of dungeness crab and pacific mole crab exoskeletons littering the drift line, the majority of which were of smaller size crabs. Presume the die-off is evidence of warmer ocean temperatures and reduced oxygen levels in seawater off the coast - sobering to consider the long term consequences to overall crab populations.
Conditions
Temperature: 73 F. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 5.5 feet.
Human Activities
Number of people: 10. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 8. Other Activities: 2 riding horses and leading a 3rd horse.. Surprisingly few folks out on a lovely summer afternoon.
Vehicles
Cars/trucks parking: 7.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 2. Both carcasses had been scavenged, but likely were common murres. No leg bands or other identifiers.
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
Unusual concentration. Hundreds of Dungeness crab exoskeletons on beach, significantly more than what are usually present; most were shells of smaller size crabs. Also noted larger than usual accumulation of pacific mole crab exoskeletons.
Driftline Content
Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces.
Natural Changes
Summer sand accumulations have filled in many of the eroded areas of the foredune.
Report Images
C Nelson
CoastWatcher
All Mile 287 Reports
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
A wonderful day on mile 287; sunny, relatively warm, light breeze.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
The cloudy marine layer that was present when we first arrived eventually burned off, providing us with a pleasant but breezy sunny afternoon for our visit. 1) We encountered an intact hull of a fiberglass boat on the mid-section of the mile; photos and location information was provided to the State Park Ranger so it could be retrieved from the beach. 2) There had been a massive influx of velella velella (by-the-wind sailors) washed ashore several days before our visit. 3) Given the number of folks in the parking area when we arrived, we had expected to see more folks on mile 287 but encountered just a typical number of visitors. 4) There was more detritus on the beach than we've seen in recent previous visits.
C NELSON
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
A lovely, busy day at the beach on this sunny, late summer SOLVE clean up day.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
An absolutely gorgeous summer day -- warm, clear, sunny, light breeze.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
We were disappointed that the SOLVE beach clean-ups have not been re-initiated following the pandemic, so decided to do our own.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
The primary purpose of this visit was to observe the impact of the last of this winters king tides.
C Nelson
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
Remarkably clear smooth sand with small amount of driftwood pushed high up the beach.
JuliaH
Mile 287
Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2
A pleasant December afternoon.
C Nelson