Mile 294 - Manhattan Beach, State Wayside - 04/09/2024 | Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition

Report Details

Started the mile at the north end from the Manhattan Beach parking lot. Was unable to walk the south end of the mile due to high tide.

Conditions

Temperature: 53 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Tide Level: 6.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 11. Number of dogs: 3. Walking or running: 11. Other Activities: One person was building structures with driftwood..

Concerns

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Notable Wildlife

17 seagulls at mouth of river. Heard sparrows in trees at edge of beach.

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. Seagull carcass found near driftwood.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Many hydroids/velella vellela washed up. Did not yet smell - seemed recent. See photos.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).

New Development

Drainage pipes. See photos - I think the large drain pipe is new.

Man-made Modifications

Nothing new other than aforementioned drain pipe. Was unable to walk much of the southern section of the shore as the tide was too high. Took photos.

Natural Changes

Evidence of wave overtopping. Waves were coming up on the boulders as evidenced by the hydroids washed up on the rocks. The ocean at the south end seemed to have a greenish tint, like algae present. See photos.