Mile 317 Report
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
August 1, 2009
Busy day at the beach--warm summer weekend.
Report Details
Busy day at the beach--warm summer weekend. Over 100 people, mostly sitting but also walking, surfing (about 15 surfers), playing in the tides, etc. Indian Beach and Ecola Point parking lots were consistently full.A LOT of litter (picked up) and many fires, with picnic debris in them. Several dead birds, a dead fish, and a skull of a mammal (photos attached). Usual erosion. Many seagulls, not afraid of human activity.No major violations (other than some fires near beach logs) and the litter. No actions taken.
Conditions
Temperature: 78 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate.
Human Activities
Number of people: 115. Number of dogs: 12. Walking or running: 25. Playing in surf: 15. Playing in sand: 15. Sitting: 45. Surfing: 15. A LOT of litter and many fires--some were left unattended while still hot, with glass and cans in them. Witnessed human activity did not present any violations--most people just enjoying the beach.
Concerns
Fire, Litter
Apparent violations: fires near beach log accumulation.Vehicles
Notable Wildlife
seagulls, murres, etc.
Beached Birds
Total dead birds: 3. Enganglement: 1. some photos attached, not able to identify
Dead Fish or Invertebrates
no concentration, but did see one large dead fish skeleton.
Driftline Content
Seaweeds and seagrass, 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.
Report Images
All Mile 317 Reports
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
An early morning walk on this mile revealed evidence in the wrackline of the previous week's stormy June weather (wind and rain) with many creatures, algae and hydroids, washed up.
sultanym
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
In terms of biota, a morning walk at Indian Beach during an out-going low tide revealed some fascinating rocky intertidal pools at the northern end of the beach near large rocky outcroppings with ochre sea star, giant green anemone, striped shore crab, thatched barnacle, Haliclona sponge, eccentric sand dollar, gooseneck barnacles, southern stiff-stiped kelp, as well as 2 types of nudibranch, or sea slugs: Aeolidia (Shaggy Mouse) & Acanthodoris nanaimoensis (Nanaimo Dorid). In terms of beach topography and geography, Indian Beach has a significant wood zone, as well as rocky basalt cobbles, and multiple streams that lead to the ocean. A large wooden pallet was seen washed up on the beach on the basalt cobbles near a small stream.
sultanym
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
Collected 4 Ikea bags of debris from beach just north of Indian Beach, mostly fishing gear, single use plastics, and golf balls.
DeniseH
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
Black Oystercatchers are currently raising three chicks on Submarine Rock and birds' behavior was noted to change due to tidepoolers.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
A drone hovered very close to the Black Oystercatcher nesting site on Submarine Rock for nearly 15 minutes (definitely affecting the behavior of both parents and chicks) and nearly hit a juvenile Bald Eagle;The Steller pup was in a high traffic area and even with relocation of the sign from the Seaside Aquarium, people either couldn't see him, or still wanted to get close to take photos.
SeagerG
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
An endangered Stellar sea lion pup has been continually harassed by visitors and dogs for several days, and the same behavior continued today.
tabeag
Mile 317
Indian Beach, Canyon Creek, Indian Point
I'm wondering if better protection can be put in place for endangered seal and sea lion pups.
SeagerG