Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST)

This long-term, successful citizen-monitoring program has provided valuable information on seabird mortality to scientists studying these important indicators of ecosystem health and large-scale dynamics along the Washington and Oregon coast. Citizen volunteers walk their stretch of the beach at least monthly and identify and report all dead beached birds and possible causes of death. We are working with Julia Parrish, University of Washington, and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge to sponsor a pilot program in Kachemak Bay to adapt the data collection protocols and extend the program to Alaska.