Community Science
Community scientists are members of the community who collect scientific data by observing and documenting the world around them. Take a look at the local projects that WEBS hosts and supports to see how you can get involved to help us sustain the Netarts Bay area!
Hosted by WEBS:
Phytoplankton Monitoring
Project Goals
Monitor Netarts Bay for three types of phytoplankton that can produce toxins that are harmful to shellfish and/or the people who consume them.
Time Commitment
With your team of 2-4 volunteers, collect and analyze one phytoplankton sample per month. Collection and analysis can take 3-4 hours, but will go faster with practice!
As you are able, also support ODFW by collecting and analyzing additional samples in the event of a concerning bloom.
Training & Experience
Email Marina to get involved!No prior experience is required! You will learn phytoplankton identification and protocols for sample collection and analysis by joining a team with experienced volunteers who can show you the ropes.
Marine Debris Monitoring
Project Goals
Survey the beach for marine debris to collect data on the amount and types of debris washing up along our coastline. Contribute that data to NOAA's worldwide, open-access, marine debris database to help researchers understand how debris moves through the worlds oceans and help the local community address the debris.
Time Commitment
Complete one survey per month. Each survey takes one to two hours to complete.
Training & Experience
Watch training videos on NOAA’s MDMAP website (available in English and Spanish), and/or join an experienced volunteer for your first survey(s).
Hosted by WEBS' Partners:
Black Oystercatcher Monitoring
Project Goals
Monitor the nesting success of Black Oystercatchers to help the Bird Alliance learn how to best protect this charismatic species and their rocky intertidal habitat.
Time Commitment
Visit known nest sites every week through the breeding season (May to August). Observe each nest for up to 30 minutes.
Training & Experience
No birding experience required! Training is offered but not required.
Snowy Plover
Patrol
Project Goals
Monitor snowy plover presence and breeding productivity on Oregon’s north coast to help assess the health of this adorable and vulnerable species, collect data to inform management decisions, and provide education and outreach to the public.
Time Commitment
Ideally, volunteers conduct at least one survey per month and/or weekly nest monitoring (if nests are found). Surveys typically take 2-5 hours.
Training & Experience
All volunteers must attend a 4-hour virtual or in-person classroom training, plus varying levels of field training depending on survey type (ranging from 2-20 survey hours), and feel confident identifying snowy plovers (which will be covered during training).
Beached Bird
Survey
Project Goals
Project Goals: Survey for beached birds to help assess the health of seabird populations and identify patterns in seabird mortality along the West Coast.
Time Commitment
Conduct monthly surveys on an un-surveyed beach of your choosing. Surveys typically take 2-5 hours to complete.
Training & Experience
Virtual and/or in-person training is required. Volunteers must be comfortable handling dead birds.
Sea Star Wasting Syndrome Monitoring
Project Goals
Document the prevalence of sea star wasting syndrome by documenting observations of both diseased and healthy sea stars.
Time Commitment
Whenever you want!
Training & Experience
No training or experience is required. Familiarity with sea star identification and disease symptoms is helpful, but identification resources are provided and photos can be sent to staff for help with species and disease identification.
