The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session for citizens interested in joining the COASST Marine Debris program. The training will be held in La Push from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 24.

The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation and communities. Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will learn how to collect data on the characteristics and location of debris — data that ultimately will be used to map the source and transport pathways of debris and to identify potential harm to people, wildlife and local coastal ecosystems.

COASST is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal and federal agencies, environmental organizations and community groups. COASST believes citizens of coastal communities are essential scientific partners in monitoring marine ecosystem health. By collaborating with citizens, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, COASST works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions. Currently, more 800 volunteers survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska.

The training session will be held at the Quileute Tribal School, 40 Ocean Drive, La Push, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 24. There is no charge to attend, but participants are asked to provide a $20 refundable deposit if they would like to take home a COASST survey toolkit. Beach surveys are best conducted in groups of two or more — please come with a survey partner in mind or plan to join a team during training. No prior experience is necessary, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month. Training activities take place both indoors and outdoors.

Reserve your training spot by calling COASST at 206-221-6893 or by emailing coasst@uw.edu. For more information on COASST: University of Washington, School of Aquatic &Fishery Sciences, Box 355020, Seattle, WA 98195-5020; Phone: 206-221-6893; Website: www.coasst.org; Email: coasst@uw.edu.