Beach Watch Class of 2005

By Shannon Lyday
Published: November 2005

The volunteers had a wide range of experience. Some were learning how to collect scientific data for the first time, and some had participated in other volunteer monitoring programs. The class included people from many professions, including park management, computer technology, investment, viticulture, homemaking, health and mental services, retail, education, chemistry and geology. Volunteers traveled from as far away as Sonoma and Santa Cruz counties to participate in Beach Watch, and some had waited two years for this unique opportunity.

Camaraderie quickly developed among the classmates as they delved into the intense training. Classroom and field sessions focused on learning survey protocols and the intimidating task of learning to identify the diverse wildlife of the central California coast. The volunteers took it all in stride, trying to absorb as much information as possible from the instructors and guest lecturers.

While the six-week commitment did not leave much personal time, for many the end of the training was bittersweet. The excitement of learning about the marine environment was enhanced by sharing the experience with new friends. In one volunteer's words: Beach Watch established a certain level of excellence that was impossible not to acknowledge. This training period was enjoyable, informative, and not to be forgotten.

Beach Watch is a long-term shoreline monitoring program of the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary and the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association. Beach Watch engages citizen scientists in the collection of data on beaches from Bodega Head in Sonoma County to Año Nuevo on the San Mateo/Santa Cruz County line. Currently, 100 volunteers monitor 45 stretches of coastline. Volunteers are responsible for monthly surveys of "their" beach segment, documenting all live and beachcast marine mammals, birds, and human activity. The dedicated network of Beach Watch volunteers have also contributed to detecting and monitoring violations, unusual mortality events, and oil spill pollution.