Volunteer with Beach Watch in 2027
NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries and Greater Farallones Association are seeking volunteers to help collect data on the condition of our sanctuary shores in north-central California.
Beach Watch volunteers monitor an assigned beach segment and collect data to support the conservation and management of the sanctuary’s wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem. Volunteers will:
- Identify, count, and photo-document living and dead birds and marine mammals;
- Document human uses of the coast in partnership with MPA Watch; and
- Document and collect oil pollution samples as evidence.
How to become a Beach Watch volunteer:
- Register and attend one of three orientations to receive program details and application materials;
- Be 18+ years old, able to physically navigate uneven terrain;
- Have a passion or interest in coastal ecology and learning;
- Submit an application and be selected to attend the training class;
- Attend all required training, 80 hours of field and classroom instruction;
- Virtual classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and in person and in the field on weekends ; and
- Commit to surveying your beach once every four weeks, for a minimum of one year.
People of all backgrounds and life experiences are welcome and encouraged to apply. Training classes are limited to 25 volunteers. Beach Watch staff will notify all applicants in December, if they are selected to attend Beach Watch training. Training will take place in San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma Counties, February – April 2027.
2026 Orientation Dates:
San Francisco – Dec. 1, 6:30 pm
San Francisco – Dec. 5, 10:00 am
Bodega Bay – Dec. 5, 3:00 pm
To register for orientation go to: https://portal.beachwat.ch/
Photo Credit: GFA/NOAA