April 21, 2019

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Human activities: I observed 15 people on the beach, 10 were clamming at the low tide line and 5 were sitting on the beach. Along this mile, there was much evidence of clamming with mounds of wet sand piled from clam gun activity. I observed 21 vehicles on the beach, either parked on the dry sand or moving along the beach on the wet sand. Shoreline wildlife: Partly cloudy day with little wind in the morning. I observed 8 whimbrels foraging for mole crabs at the low tide line, 3 American crows, 1 Northern Harrier female hunting over the dunes, and 6 Western Gull on the beach. The high tide line below the dune grass had a high concentration of 2-3 inch Cnidaria: Velella velella or By The Wind Sailors, large piles of bull kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, and large logs. Dungeness Crab shell casings, shells, and organic detritus were also in the backshore. At the low tide line, I found a large cluster of California Market squid eggs (Loligo opalescens), 2 moon jellies, and more shells.Physical Changes: some sawdust on the sand and a large wooden pallet (partially broken) were observed at the high tide line. Actions taken: I collected approximately 20 lbs of trash including styrofoam chunks, cups, maritime ropes, many plastic bags/10 bottles/7 bottle caps/ 2 toothbrushes, 2 shotgun shells from duck hunters, and litter from beach fires and human presence on the beach. I emailed Oregon State Parks to inquire if they can add a trash can receptacle to the Del Rey Beach parking lot at Highlands Ln or at the pullout near the beach entrance. The nearest trash can is 3 miles away at Sunset Beach parking lot. I hope this will reduce the amount of litter from vehicles on the beach.