COASST to hold beached bird and marine debris training

The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team shares news about their upcoming training session on San Juan Island.

On Feb. 5, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team will deliver a free training session for members of the San Juan Island community. COASST is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. COASST participants help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds and marine debris on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of beached bird mortality and debris deposition on North Pacific beaches.

Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will become acquainted with COASST survey protocols, have a chance to learn more about the seabirds that live in their area, and learn about the effects of marine debris on sealife. The COASST training provides participants 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 residents of coastal communities are essential scientific partners in monitoring marine ecosystem health. By collaborating with community members, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, COASST works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions. Currently, nearly 1,000 participants survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

The training session will be held on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Friday Harbor Lab Commons — 620 University Rd. 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. Participants need no prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.

Masks are recommended, but not mandatory. Staying safe is our top priority and we will have disinfectant wipes and sanitizer on hand.

For more information and to reserve your training spot, call COASST at 206-221-6893 or email [email protected]. More information about the COASST program can be found on our website.

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