COASST Marine Debris Training

Help make a difference for the environment by collecting data for the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST). COASST is a citizen science project dedicated to involving volunteers in the collection of high quality data. Our goal is to assist government agencies and other organizations in making informed management and conservation decisions, and to promote proactive citizen involvement and action. COASST is offering two different trainings: Marine Debris and Beached Birds. Volunteers need NO prior experience, just a commitment to survey a specific beach (about ¾ mile) each month. COASST Marine Debris participants survey local beaches and collect data on the characteristics and location of debris - data that will ultimately be used to map the source and transport pathways of debris, as well as the potential harm to people, wildlife, and local coastal ecosystems. COASST Beached Bird volunteers systematically count and identify bird carcasses that wash ashore along ocean beaches from northern California to Alaska. If you are interested in participating, join COASST staff for a training session. 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. Training activities take place indoors. Beach surveys are best conducted in groups of 2 or more – please come with a survey partner in mind or plan to join a team during training.