The University of Washington's Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team, or COASST, is a network of nearly a thousand volunteers who walk beaches in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. Those citizen scientists are counting dead birds and their work has been critical to understanding the effects of warming ocean waters on the marine ecosystem.

Guests:

Julia Parrish, Associate Dean at the University of Washington's College for the Environment and founder of COASST

Carl Haynie, COASST volunteer

Relevant Links: 

COASST Website

Science: ‘Blob’ heat wave killed millions of seabirds—and they haven’t bounced back

New York Times: Ocean Heat Wiped Out Half These Seabirds Around Alaska

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