COASST can make a difference for birds and the environment

Published 6:27 am Sunday, February 17, 2013

OCEAN PARK, Wash. – Beachcombers, birders or anyone interested in the environment can help make a difference by collecting data for the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST), a citizen science project in which volunteers collect high quality data on the status of coastal beaches and trends of seabirds.

The goal is to assist government agencies and other organizations in making informed management and conservation decisions, and promote proactive citizen involvement and action. COASST volunteers systematically count and identify bird carcasses that wash ashore along ocean beaches from northern California to Alaska. Volunteers need no experience with birds, just a commitment to survey a specific beach (about 3/4 mile) each month.

If you are interested in participating, join COASST staff from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Pacific County Fire District, 26109 Ridge Ave., for a six-hour training session. All ages are welcome. Hear about how COASST started, learn how to use the custom “Beached Birds” field guide, and try out your new skills with some actual specimens. There is no charge to attend a training, but plan to provide a $20 refundable deposit if you would like to take home a COASST volunteer kit complete with a COASST “Beached Birds” field guide. Training activities take place indoors. Lunch is not included but there will be a lunch break; bring your own or plan to go out. For a list of area restaurants, try www.funbeach.com

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Liz Mack at lizmack@uw.edu or 206-221-6893.