Coastal Community Science
Whether you live on the Oregon Coast,
return frequently, or are a one time visitor -
there are a number of ways to contribute to
community science.
Community science connects people with marine reserves, instills an appreciation of the roles of science and monitoring in our ocean, and helps develop an understanding of the life, ecology and physical environment of our marine reserves. Additionally, some projects support management and long-term monitoring efforts for agencies beyond ODFW’s Marine Reserve Program. Community science can also support more “eyes” in the field for important ecological indicators.
Black Oystercatcher Surveys
The problem: The Black Oystercatcher is a unique shorebird species that is a conspicuous and charismatic bird of the coast. Because of their small global population size, low reproductive rate, and reliance on rocky intertidal habitats, they are considered a “species of high conservation concern” and act as an indicator of intertidal ecosystem health.
The project: Bird Alliance of Oregon is monitoring Black Oystercatchers to provide new information on this species biology including an Oregon-wide population estimate, nesting success, and human disturbance factors.
How to get involved: Between May and August, 75 sites up and down the Oregon Coast are monitored for Black Oystercatchers. You can sign up here, if you are interested in monitoring Black Oystercatcher nests along any site on the Oregon Coast.
CoastWatch
The problem: Coastal environmental degradation, including erosion, habitat loss, marine debris, and the impacts of climate change, is threatening the health and stability of the Oregon coast.
The project: CoastWatch, organized and operated by Oregon Shores, engages people in documenting Oregon’s sandy beaches and rocky shores for natural and human-caused changes, wildlife, and phenomena. Volunteers adopt a mile of the Oregon coast to observe and monitor changes seasonally. The program offers education about shoreline ecology and natural history and opportunities to contribute data to community science.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
How to get involved: CoastWatch thrives on the collaborative spirit of its volunteers, who work collectively to monitor and advocate for a thriving coastal environment. Be a force for positive change by adopting a mile-long segment of Oregon’s stunning coastline.
Sea Star Wasting Disease Surveys
The Problem: Sea stars along much of the North American Pacific coast experienced a massive die-off in 2013/14 due to a mysterious wasting syndrome. The disease, called Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS) has persisted at low levels in most areas, and continues to kill sea stars.
The Project: The Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network (MARINe) monitors SSWS along the U.S. Pacific Coast through a collaborative effort involving researchers and community scientists. This initiative tracks the distribution and health of sea stars from Alaska to Baja California, assessing the disease's impact on populations and the broader intertidal ecosystem. Data collected informs understanding of SSWS progression and potential recovery, guiding conservation and management strategies.
How to get involved: Currently in Oregon, North Coast Land Conservancy, Friends of Otter Rock, and Cape Perpetua Collaborative all take part in SSWD monitoring. Get in touch to get involved!
Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project (MDMAP)
The Problem: Marine debris poses serious threats to wildlife, navigation safety, economic activity, and ecosystem health around our planet.
The Project: MDMAP is National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) flagship initiative to measure the amount and types of marine debris on shorelines. Using this standardized collection method, suite of helpful resources, and publicly available data, participants and volunteers can detect differences in marine debris over time, inspire prevention efforts, and inform education and outreach. This community science project aims to identify the quantity and types of marine debris that wash ashore to track movement and impacts of debris along U.S. coastlines.
How to get involved: Marine debris surveys are conducted at a designated segment of beach each month. North Coast Land Conservancy and Friends of Otter Rock are both involved in marine debris surveys. Get in touch to get involved!
King Tide Photo Contest
The Problem: King tides occur when the sun and moon's gravitational forces align, producing the highest tides of the year. While these tides are natural, they offer a glimpse into the future as sea levels rise due to climate change. This phenomenon is particularly concerning for coastal areas, where infrastructure and ecosystems are at risk of flooding and erosion.
The Project: The King Tides Photo Project, co-coordinated by the Oregon Coastal Management Program and CoastWatch, empowers individuals to help document the effects of king tides, fostering a deeper understanding of climate change impacts and illustrating the vulnerability of coastal areas under sea-level rise. These photos raise awareness of how rising waters affect coastal communities every winter and contributes to a publicly accessible dataset that informs research, policy, and decision-making across the state.
How to get Involved: To get involved, individuals can photograph their local shoreline during king tide events and submit photos and data through online platforms.
Blue Water Task Force
The Problem: Polluted water threatens the health of beachgoers, surfers, and marine life. Urban runoff, sewage spills, and outdated infrastructure often result in high levels of bacteria and contaminants in our coastal waters. Unfortunately, government testing is limited, infrequent, or sometimes non-existent—leaving the public without the information they need to stay safe.
The Project: Blue Water Task Force (BWTF) is a volunteer-run water testing program that helps fill the gaps in coastal water quality monitoring. Local Surfrider chapters collect water samples from popular surf spots, rivers, and streams, testing them for bacteria levels. The results are posted online in near real-time to inform and empower the public, while also pressuring decision-makers to improve water quality and infrastructure.
How to get involved: Join your local Surfrider Chapter and sign up to start collecting water samples!