The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) is offering a free training session at the Ocean Shores Library on Sunday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COASST volunteers help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of beached bird mortality on North Pacific beaches.

Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will become acquainted with COASST survey protocols, and have a chance to learn more about the seabirds that live in their area. The COASST training provides participants with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources.

According to their press release, 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 1,000 volunteers survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska.

All attendees will be required to provide proof of vaccination upon arrival.

For more information and to reserve a training spot, call COASST at 206-221-6893, by emailing coasst@uw.edu or visit coasst.org.

— The Daily World