Calling all beach walkers!
The Alaska Wildlife Alliance and Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) invites you to join us at one of our upcoming beached bird survey training workshops:
Homer- September 29th 10am-4pm, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
Unalaska- October 4th 9:30am-3:30pm, Unalaska, Public Library
COASST participants 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 Alaskan beaches. This summer, COASSTers are collecting information that helps track the extent and magnitude of the 2019 die-off event.
Through these interactive, hands-on workshops, trainees will become acquainted the custom COASST field guide, Beached Birds, and have a chance to try out their newly acquired identification skills on seabird species common to Alaska. The COASST training provides participants with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources. Attendees need NO prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.
Reserve your training spot by calling COASST at 206-221-6893 or by emailing coasst@uw.edu. For more information on COASST visit coasst.org
COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal, and federal agencies, environmental organizations (including the Alaska Wildlife Alliance), 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 800 volunteers survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.
