The Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries are seeking volunteers to monitor coastal conditions through Beach Watch, a long-term community science program conducted in partnership with the Greater Farallones Association conservation group.
Volunteers monitor assigned beach segments along the north-central California coast, collecting data to help scientists and resource managers conserve wildlife, habitats and marine ecosystems.
Beach Watch is a community science program that trains volunteers to observe and collect data on human uses of coastal and marine resources both inside and outside of marine protected areas. Volunteers use standardized protocols to collect relevant, scientifically rigorous, and broadly accessible data.
Participants may identify, count and photograph living and dead birds and marine mammals and collect oil pollution samples as potential evidence.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to navigate uneven terrain. An interest in coastal ecology and a willingness to learn is encouraged. Volunteers must complete 80 hours of classroom and field training and commit to surveying their assigned beach once every four weeks for at least one year.
Training includes virtual classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, along with in-person and field sessions on weekends. The next training program will run from February through April 2027 in San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties.
Those interested must attend one of three orientation sessions to receive program information and application materials. Sessions in San Francisco are scheduled for Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. or Dec. 5 at 10 a.m., and Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. in Bodega Bay.
Beach Watch training classes are limited to 25 participants. Staff will notify applicants in December whether they have been selected for training. The program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences.
Registration is required.
