Post Tsunami Debris

The effects of the Japaneese tsunami will begin to be felt in about three to fours years on the western coast of the US. Debris caught up in the North Pacific gyre will be carried along to California, Oregon and Washington State in the coming years. Beachcombers will be finding shoes, toys, food packages and other such flotsam and jetsam. Not the kind of finds one associates with a joyful stroll on the beach, especially when one considers that some of this debris may belong to ones that have lost their lives in the tsunami.
For more on this click Tsunami Artifacts.

Whale Puke Can Make You Wealthy

The next time you're beachcombing keep an eye out for clumps of a grayish black substance as it may make you instantly rich! What we're talking about is ambergris, coughed up from sperm whales and used in the perfume industry for hundreds of years due to its sweet, earthy aroma. It is a rare substance that is still highly sort after and can net you over $10,000 a pound! A sperm whale produces the substance in its intestines and is believed to aid in the passing of sharp objects such as squid beaks. It can be coughed up by a whale or find its way into the ocean after a dead whale decomposes sufficiently.

One lucky couple recently stumbled across a clump weighing over 30 pounds in South Australia. For more on the story click Whale Puke.

2010 International Beachcombing Conference

Nov. 12-14, 2010

U. of DE's Virden Retreat Center

700 Pilottown Road, Lewes, DE

The International Beachcombing Conference offers consummate and novice beachcombers alike the opportunity to come together to meet, greet and learn more about the beachcombing experience and the science which makes beachcombing possible. 

Speakers include nationally-known environmentalists, oceanographers, anthropologists, geologists and photographers, many who are also award-winning authors. 

Attendees will gain a broader view of the factors affecting our beaches worldwide and how they effect the beachcombing experience. Have you ever wondered where the artifacts you find came from? With the guidance of experts, learn how to trace the origins of your collected beach treasures. 

Learn about paleontology, anthropology, ethics and climate change during conference lectures and panel discussions. You will have the chance to attend workshops, field practica and artifact identification sessions designed for all levels of experience. Throughout the weekend, attendees can relax and browse local artisans' beach crafts and jewelry. 

For more information click Beachcombing Conference.