Mile 312 - Cannon Beach, Tolovana Park south - November 10, 2008

Report Details

Appears to have increased sand levels as winter approaches. Lots of plastic bags and small plastic pieces of all kinds on beach and in wrack lines. Noted are beach toys that have been left on beach. This is common, unfortunately. Pelicans are numerous along the surf line and sunning themselves on the rocks and on beach. Many western gulls of all age groups sitting in large groups along the tide line. Intact medium size fish bones at high wrack line was interesting.

Conditions

Temperature: 59 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 4.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 33. Number of dogs: 5. Walking or running: 22. Playing in surf: 3. Playing in sand: 5. Tidepooling: 3. usual activities for pleasant fall day..most just walking the beach one family with youngsters with large bag full of sand castle making equipment, marking off large area and digging large amount of sand

Concerns

Litter

Apparent violations: 50 gallon barrell with liquid-label Caruba.

Disturbances: Shorebirds moving in response to humans/dogs

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 20. ATVs/OHVs parking: 1.

Notable Wildlife

200 brown pelicans fishing and resting south of my beach in front of Jockey Capminimal seaweed in high wrack line

Beached Birds

Total dead birds: 1. rather large older Murre

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Small rocks, Styrofoam, Wood pieces. 50 gallon container reported to police see pic

Natural Changes

no new erosion noted

Actions & Comments

Reported container on beach to Cannon Beach City Police this afternoon. They report it is in the hands of the State Police who have responsibility for removal. I am concerned because of the unknown fluid in the container which has only a thin plastic cover. It could easily be washed down the beach with the next storm. It is on the high wrack line and was not there 2 days ago. We had a large storm the last few days with a high surf warning until yesterday.