Beachwatchers And Birders Wanted

Beachwatchers And Birders Wanted For Coastal Observation And Seabird Survey Team (Coasst)

On Saturday, October 19th, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver free training sessions in Lopez Island, WA and East Sound, WA. COASST volunteers help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of beached bird mortality on North Pacific beaches. Data collected helps address important marine conservation issues and protect marine resources.

Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will become acquainted with the custom COASST field guide, Beached Birds, and have a chance to try out their newly acquired identification skills on seabird species common to the Puget Sound. The COASST training provides volunteers with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources.

COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal, and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and community groups. COASST believes citizens of coastal communities are essential scientific partners in monitoring marine ecosystem health. By collaborating with citizens, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, COASST works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions. Currently, over 800 volunteers survey more than 500 beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

The free training sessions will be held on Saturday, October 19th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, at both the Lopez Island Library (2225 Fisherman Bay, Lopez Island, WA) and the Orcas Power and Light Meeting Room (183 Mount Baker, East Sound, WA). There will be a short break in the middle of each session for lunch, so please bring your own sack lunch, or money to purchase food in the area. Reserve your training spot by calling COASST at 206-221-6893 or by emailing [email protected].

For more information on COASST: University of Washington, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, Box 355020, Seattle, WA 98195-5020; Phone: 206-221-6893; website: www.coasst.org, Email: [email protected]

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