The Daily World

On Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session in Ocean Shores for members of the community.

The COASST Beached Bird program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. COASST participants help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds and marine debris on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of beached bird mortality on North Pacific beaches, according to a press release.

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. 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 residents of coastal communities are essential scientific partners in monitoring marine ecosystem health. By collaborating with community members, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, COASST works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions. Currently, nearly 1,000 participants survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

The training session will be held at the Ocean Shores Library (573 Point Brown Ave NW). There will be a short break in the middle of the session for lunch, so bring your own sack lunch. Participants need NO prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.