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.
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