March 2026 - The Reading Habit, News
February 27, 2026

Humboldt Beach Debris

An Arcata ecology and environmental consulting company is looking for alert beach walkers to help document the amount and kind of specific kinds of marine debris washing ashore on Humboldt County beaches.

The project, funded through the California Energy Commission, seeks to track marine debris like rope, nets, traps and other material that pose a danger of entanglement to marine life such as whales, sea lions, etc.

If while you, friends and the dog are walking Humboldt beaches you come across this kind of debris larger than 3 feet, researchers ask that you take some photos and record the precise location (what beach, GPS coordinates or closest entrance to the beach, nearby buildings, etc.). If you know what the debris is, note a description when you email or call in your find to debris@harveyecology. com (or call 707-822-2847). Data will be collected until mid-April.

Note: solid debris (wood pallets, barrels, tires, boat parts, concrete blocks, etc.) is not part of this study.

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