On August 17th from 10am to 4pm and August 18th from 11am to 5pm, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver two free training sessions in Astoria and Tillamook, OR for citizens interested in surveying for marine debris. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Rather than simply identifying debris, the program characterizes it and measures its abundance in particular zones of the beach.
Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will learn how to collect data that speaks directly to the source and transport pathways of debris, as well as to the potential harm to people, wildlife, and local coastal ecosystems. 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 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, nearly 1000 volunteers survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.
The training session on the 17th will be held at Clatsop Community College (Towler Hall, 1651 Lexington Ave) and on the 18th at Port of Tillamook Bay (4000 Blimp Blvd., Suite 100) 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. Volunteers need NO prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.
Reserve your training spot for either training by calling COASST at 206-221-6893 or by emailing coasst@uw.edu. For more information on COASST visit coasst.org
