Description

Beachwalkers Wanted: The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) is looking for volunteers to help pilot test a new marine debris program. COASST is a citizen science program 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. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. We don't identify debris, we characterize it and measure abundance in particular zones of the beach. In doing so, our data speaks directly to the source and transport pathways of debris, as well as to the potential harm to people, wildlife and local coastal ecosystems. Our long-term goal is to create a debris baseline ? just like we do for beached birds ? the amount of debris, by type, in space and time. And then, we'll map it. Imagine if you could create a map of the most harmful stretches of coastline for seals, or albatross, or sea turtles. That's what COASST is attempting to do. Here are the details of what pilot testers will be asked to do: · RSVP and attend the pilot testing training · Survey debris two times per month through March 2015 · Share feedback with COASST via e-mail or phone · Receive and use new versions of materials that reflect collective pilot-participant feedback · No obligation to continue marine debris surveys after March Space is limited, so please RSVP to [email protected] or call us at 206-221-6893 as soon as possible. Feel free to bring along a friend or pass along this information to anyone you know who might be interested! The training will include a break for lunch, please pack a lunch or plan to stop for lunch in town.