On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team will give free training sessions in bird identification and use of other tools to monitor beaches and shores for changes in the marine environment.

COASST is looking for volunteers to collect data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of bird mortality on North Pacific beaches. Data collected addresses important marine conservation issues and protects marine resources.

At the interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees learn to use the custom COASST field guide, Beached Birds, and they will also try out new identification skills on seabird species common to the Puget Sound.

COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science and state, tribal, and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and community groups. Over 800 volunteers now survey more than 500 beaches in Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

Training sessions on Lopez and Orcas islands will be Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locations: Lopez Island Library (2225 Fisherman Bay) and Orcas Power and Light Meeting Room (183 Mount Baker, East Sound).

A lunch break will be provided. Bring your own lunch or you can buy food in the area.

Reserve your workshop spot by calling COASST at 206-221-6893 or by emailing coasst@uw.edu.

For more information go to depts.washington.edu/coasst/.