We are a group of scientists, community members,
environmental organizations, surfers, and beach workers dedicated to a
better understanding of the habits and habitats of beach-spawning
grunion, Leuresthes tenuis...
2021 Updates for Grunion Greeters
Recent reports indicate that grunion populations have declined broadly across southern California.
We support increased protection for this endemic fish, including a longer seasonal closure and limits
on recreational fishing. Changes in seasonal regulations under study by CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife are being considered for recommendation to Marine Resources Committee at their meeting in July, and subsequently to CA Fish & Game Commission. See the current proposal.
This scientific article from the ICES Journal of Marine Science uses Grunion Greeter citizen science data to track populations over time.
We have completed a short documentary, "Surf, Sand, and Silversides: the California Grunion."
Total running time of the documentary is 25 minutes. It has been the official selection for several film festivals, including the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival, the Newport Beach Film Festival, Huntington Beach SoCal Film Festival, and the Toronto Beaches Film Festival. Awards include sound editing, International Wildlife Film Festival, and award of excellence for script from the Best Shorts Competition, and best short documentary from the Los Angeles City Cinema Festival.
Soundtrack by the Insect Surfers, California's favorite acid surf band.
National Geographic posted a video about the grunion using some of our footage.
See it here.
Announcements
GRUNION SEASON 2020!
The grunion are running!
Even if you don't go to a workshop we welcome your reports. Click the link "REPORT
OBSERVATIONS" to download a PDF of the data form. Follow the
instructions to submit your report online at the same link after the run. Your reports from any beach are always very important.
Beach Ecology Coalition spring
meeting - The Fourteenth Annual Spring Field Day of the Beach Ecology Coalition will be held in May, 2017.
This group is composed of beach managers, lifeguards, park rangers,
environmentalists, and coastal scientists. (more information)
New book, "Beach-Spawning Fishes: Reproduction in an Endangered Ecosystem" by Dr. Karen Martin now available here.
NO TAKE of grunion is permitted during April and
May - The National
Marine Fisheries Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration define TAKE as: "to harass,
harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to
attempt to engage in any such conduct."
We encourage "observe and conserve" at all times.
No type of gear, traps, or nets is ever allowed for grunion. If you observe poaching or any violations of grunion fishing
regulations, such as use of gear or nets, please advise the California
Department of Fish and Game at this link,
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/protection.asp or call their hotline, 1-888-DFG-CALTIP(1-888-334-2258).
"The 2015 Refugio Beach Oil Spill." (2020)
By Martin, K. L. M., D. Witting, and R. Donohoe. Field and Laboratory Assessment of Injury to California Grunion Leuresthes tenuis. Appendix G-2, Refugio Beach Oil Spill Trustees (eds), Refugio Beach Oil Spill Draft Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment. Prepared by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Lands Commission, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Regents of the University of California, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Grunion run during the Blue Wave phenomenon, May, 2020, photo by Karen L. Martin
Mixed flock of shorebirds eating grunion eggs, April, 2016, photo by Bill Figueroa
2007 Updates
Ten years ago, hundreds of adventurous citizen
scientists observed the California Grunion's intimate activities on
beautiful sandy beaches during the most ideal time for viewing.
Observations are reported via a web-based questionnaire and used for beach
management and scientific research.
New book, "Beach-Spawning Fishes: Reproduction in an Endangered Ecosystem" by Dr. Karen Martin now available here.
