Memorable Wreck

Although Corvids like these American Crows are always
monitoring the beaches where they live, it is nice to know that
COASSTers across the Pacific Northwest are on the look-out too!

I spoke with WA COASSTer John this morning who monitors outer coast Beaches 1 and 2 about his approximately five years with the program. With a background in informal science education and formal public education (he is currently a high school science teacher), John is a big believer in citizen science as a way to integrate place-based learning into the science education curriculum. One of his most memorable experiences with COASST involves a 2009 algal bloom that created a significant wreck on his beach. Typically finding very few birds, John remembers conducting a survey during the bloom period where he found nearly forty birds in one walk. This event is a shining example of the tremendous value of the COASST program. COASSTers along the Washington and then Oregon shores first noticed large wrecks of dead birds at an unusual time of year in 2009, with many live, yet weakened birds coming onto shore when they weren’t supposed to.  A major bloom of Akashiwo sanguine, a type of non-toxic algae was determined to be the cause of the massive bird deaths. This species of algae produces a soap-like foam that diminishes feather waterproofing, reducing the ability of the birds to fly and fish and eventually promoting hypothermia and death.  Surf Scoters were hit especially hard. Because COASSTers were among the first to notice the changes on beaches across the Pacific Northwest, volunteers were able to quickly partner with other organizations like NOAA to assist in documenting the event, and, in many cases, rescuing and rehabilitating affected birds. A prime example of why COASSTal eyes and ears provide such value to this area and the birds that call it home.