What can you learn from dead birds? With enough volunteers, a lot

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 Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.