COASST Citizen Science Training

Please note that the Astoria training will focus on marine debris! In October, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver two free training sessions: one focused on marine birds, and the other on marine debris. The Beached Bird training will be held in Long Beach, WA on Saturday, October 21st and the Marine Debris training will be held in Astoria, WA on Sunday, October 22nd. COASST is a citizen science project focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Program participants help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds and/or 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 sea life. The COASST training provides participants with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources.