Mile 46 - Rocky Point, Betz Creek, north of Coal Point - February 10, 2014

Report Details

This trip to the beach proved to be very interesting. The rocky intertidal zone has become completely exposed again as the sand has washed away. The rocks uncovered are completely devoid of all barnacles that once used cover them. A strange and complete disappearance.We also noticed many more small plastic pellets covering our beach. Much more than normal. Overall, a good day at the beach with some very noticeable changes.

Conditions

Temperature: 50 F. Cloud Cover: Cloudy. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: S. Tide Level: 1.0 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 6. Number of dogs: 2. Walking or running: 2. Sitting: 2. Fishing: 2. The 2 people "fishing", were actually clamming.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 3.

Notable Wildlife

Just the seagulls.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

It was interesting to see that all the rocks of the intertidal zone that had been covered in sand near the end of last fall, had now been uncovered. Lots of sand movement. ALL of the rocks are completely devoid of barnacles. They used to be COVERED in them. Now there are none, literally. Take a look at the attached photos. All that is left is markings from where the barnacles used to be attached.

Driftline Content

Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Marine debris (plastic, styrofoam, etc. washing in from the sea), Shells, Styrofoam, Wood pieces.