Mile 8 - Harris Beach SP picnic area, Goat Island - June 21, 2011

Report Details

Harris Beach was a scene of bustling activity, human and natural, on a clear warm day. The beach itself was remarkably free of litter and ocean debris. Sand levels have been restored since the tsunami of 3/11. Heavy fishing activity by pelicans and cormorants in and around kelp beds. First sighting of sun star in a long time. Better-than-average compliance with leash laws.

Conditions

Temperature: 67 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Moderate. Wind Direction: NW. Tide Level: 2.9 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 122. Number of dogs: 12. Walking or running: 78. Playing in surf: 6. Playing in sand: 7. Sitting: 18. Photography: 4. Tidepooling: 6. Other Activities: 2. A pretty big crowd on a beautiful, warm day. Evidence of 2 campfires on beach. One kid climbing off-shore rock (illegal because of bird sanctuary), 2 of the 12 dogs off leash (better than average).

Concerns

Climbing bluffs/seastacks, Fire

Apparent violations: 1 climber on off-shore rock, 2 dogs off leash..

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 38.

Notable Wildlife

Many pelicans, 1 sleeping(!) Aleutian goose on the beach, dense kelp beds off shore with big stacks of sea grass on the sand, and one large sun star on the sand (see photo), the first I've seen here in a long time.

Driftline Content

Seaweeds and seagrass, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Shells, Small rocks, Wood pieces.

Natural Changes

Sand has built up to or past normal levels after the tsunami.

Report Images

George

CoastWatcher

All Mile 8 Reports

Date

Showing 8 of 18 reports

Mile 8

Harris Beach SP picnic area, Goat Island

December 5, 2019

Calm, low tide.

lovlielovie

Mile 8

Harris Beach SP picnic area, Goat Island

August 16, 2019

Found today 10-12’ decomposing body of a sea lion washed up on the rocks at the cove at the most northern point of mile 8 appears to have been dead for some time and is very fragrant Turkey vulture activity has been high here for the last several days and I guess I discovered why!

lovlielovie