The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team will host a free training session in Long Beach on Sunday, Nov. 10, for citizens interesting in surveying for marine debris.

According to a statement from the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, the program is “focused on the intersection of science, conservation and communities. Rather than simply identifying debris, the program characterizes it and measures its abundance in particular zones of the beach.”

Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will learn how to collect data that speaks directly to the source and transport pathways of debris, as well as to the potential harm to people, wildlife and local coastal ecosystems.

The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team is a citizen science project of the University of Washington in partnership with state, tribal and federal agencies, environmental organizations and community groups. By collaborating with citizens, natural resource management agencies and environmental organizations, the team works to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions. Currently, nearly 8,000 volunteers survey beaches in Washington, Oregon, California and Alaska.

The training session will be held at the PUD Auditorium at 9610 Sandridge Road. There will be a short break in the middle of the session for lunch — bring your own sack lunch or money to purchase food in the area. Volunteers need no prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.

Reserve your training spot by calling 206-221-6893 or by emailing coasst@uw.edu. For more information on the team, visit coasst.org.