Community scientists are needed to help collect data on the condition of Northern California shores for the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries.
Beach Watchers receive training and monitor an assigned beach segment, collecting data to support the conservation and management of sanctuary wildlife, habitats and ecosystem, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA.
Volunteers identify, count and photo-document living and dead birds and marine mammals, report human uses of the coast and collect oil pollution samples as evidence.
Participants must be at least 18 and able to navigate uneven terrain; attend required training, including 80 hours of field and classroom instruction; and commit to surveying their beach once every four weeks for a minimum of a year.
A virtual orientation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 10. To register, visit the Beach Watch website.