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04/16/2009: "Beachwatchers & Birders Wanted For Observation & Seabird Surveys"

On Saturday April 18th from 10:00am to 4:00pm, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session at the UW Friday Harbor Laboratories in Lab 5.

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 Pacific Northwest beaches. Data collected helps address important marine conservation issues and protect marine resources.

Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will become acquainted with the custom COASST field guide, Beached Birds, and have a chance to try out their newly acquired identification skills on seabird species common to the Pacific Northwest. The COASST training provides volunteers 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 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, more than 400 volunteers survey over 250 beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Reserve your training spot by calling COASST at 206-221-6893 or by emailing info@coasst.org. For more information on COASST please visit our website www.coasst.org
Email: info@coasst.org, or mail us at: University of Washington, School of Aquatic & Fishery Sciences, Box 355020, Seattle, WA 98195-5020