For 30 years, Beach Watch has monitored the presence of bird, marine mammal, oil and human uses along the California coast. Data are collected at 62 survey sites by 150 community volunteers trained in seabird and marine mammal identification and emergency response. Our long-term dataset provides a rare glimpse into long-term changes in wildlife and human use along our coast. Resource managers and scientists leverage Beach Watch data to answer many wildlife health and coastal management questions. Unusual mortality events can be used as indicators of wildlife and ecosystem health and changes in climate, wildlife distribution can be used to inform and designate new wildlife protection areas, and oil deposition can provide crucial evidence on damages to wildlife and coastline from oil spills. Data gathered by our volunteers has helped secure over $52 million to assess damage to and enhance loss of natural resources and recreational uses.
Program partners: Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, MPA Watch, California Academy of Sciences, National Park Service, Point Blue Conservation Science, BEACHCombers, COASST, Oiled Wildlife Care Network
Current program grant funders: Beach Watch thanks Resources Legacy Fund, Firedoll Foundation, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, and Bernice Barbour Foundation for their grant support.
