COASST - Creating Successful Educational Outcomes through Positive Personal Connections

The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST), based at the University of Washington, is a successful citizen science program with a 16-year history of collecting highly rigorous, monthly data on coastal beaches in... [ view full abstract ]

The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST), based at the University of Washington, is a successful citizen science program with a 16-year history of collecting highly rigorous, monthly data on coastal beaches in the North Pacific, from northern California to the Arctic Circle. COASST currently engages ~800 participants in our beached bird module, collecting high quality, verifiable data to establish a baseline index of seabird mortality. COASSTers regularly spend hours per survey—rain or shine—and some spend more than a day transiting to and from their sites. Why? COASST creates lifelong-learning connections by establishing and maintaining a positive personal connection with each participant joining the program. The foundation of this on-going relationship is deeply rooted in the 6-hour, in-person expert training session conducted in dozens of coastal communities. After training, participants are fully equipped with the tools necessary to both conduct surveys and continue their learning process over time. Within a week, staff and students in the COASST office have checked in with each new participant. Our connection deepens with individualized feedback on beached bird identification skills, a bimonthly e-newsletter promoting skills practice, access to a network of scientists to help identify other interesting finds on the beach, an annual report presenting the year’s data, and in-community refreshers and evening talks. Continuous support from COASST staff and our team of 20 undergraduate interns ensure that COASST participants are constantly learning and actively contributing to the success of our program. This level of engagement is one of the central reasons COASST participants remain with the program; our retention rate tops 80% annually and some volunteers have been with the program since its inception in 1998.