Bishop’s Beach, Alaska

Photo by Ross Todd.

Bishop’s Beach is a popular beach amongst locals in Homer and certainly represents one of the most diverse beaches in terms of its usage. During our visit, we see Fish and Wildlife Service biologists banding ducks to understand their migration; we talk with birders who love to watch waterfowl near Beluga Slough; we see tire tracks and learn that driving is allowed on parts of the beach and that people harvest coal, often found in the wrack line. These coal seams exist because the ocean wears down upper layers of peat exposing seams of coal during low tides. The level of salt content in the coal makes it an inefficient source of heat; however, people can collect this for free.

Paul Allan and Louise Ashmun share their experience walking this beach. They returned to Homer about decade ago and love being a part of the scientific observing community. Paul excitedly talks to me about some of the dramatic changes he sees with respect to the sand on the beach.

Paul and Louise talk about the ecological dynamics that makes Bishop’s Beach unique.

Paul and Louise talk about the dynamics that make their beach less of a hot spot for dead birds, but Louise notes that this isn’t the case for trash. “We get lots of trash!”

Louise and Paul marvel at what gets left on the beach and how quickly it gets consumed by nature.