"Have a little faith, there's magic in the night..." - Bruce Springsteen
It's Closed Season (except for photos)
Green and Blue Grunion, photo by D. Stern (click to enlarge)
Stormy skies and surging seas kept the grunion off the beach to some extent over the last run series in late May. Although they showed up at many locations, the numbers were lower than the previous run series in most cases. However, a couple of places in the north and south of the southern California habitat range had bigger runs than on past nights. Because of the interesting weather, the second of our two monitoring nights was better than the first this time.
We are able to collect incubating eggs at many beach locations based on the 125 reports you provided over the past week. We really appreciate that you report your data as soon as possible after each monitoring period so we can alert the beach managers and plan for research trips. This detailed information is extremely helpful and immediately used.
Embryos just about ready to hatch, photo by P. Roullard (click to enlarge)
Several people have expressed concern about vehicles on the beaches. This program depends on community-based habitat monitoring to assist local people to improve conditions on their own beaches. In general it appears that beach maintenance vehicles are staying away from the grunion egg zone. On the other hand, lifeguard trucks may make many trips up and down the beach each day. It is always best if someone local can point out the specific place where they saw the grunion run, if you think that vehicles may be in that area. I am always happy to speak with beach workers at any time if you send them to me for more information.
Sexy beasts, photo by S. Howard (click to enlarge)
Although we are still in closed season until the end of May, you reported some poaching. In June and beyond, even though it is open season, no gear may be used to trap or catch the grunion, and all adults over the age of 16 must have on display a valid fishing license. Please continue to observe and report any poaching you see.
Our northern grunion have not returned to their beaches yet this year. We will continue to keep many eyes out for them through June and July. We hope they are just biding their time for the right moment to re-appear.
Grunion Rainbow, photo by D. Stern (click to enlarge)
In southern California the grunion will continue to run during the summer, and your reports are welcome throughout the grunion season. More reports and data give us a better picture of the population as a whole. Your volunteer efforts are much appreciated and your knowledge becomes part of a much larger database. The schedule can be found by following the link on the left side of this web page, “When do the grunion run?”
Grunion Run, photo by P. Vasquez (click to enlarge)
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of our surfing silversides. Your photos, comments, enthusiasm, and midnight efforts are truly inspiring. It makes me happy to imagine a whole coastline with fish coming up from the waves, being greeted by all of you people coming down to the shore.
We encourage “Catch and Release” of grunion during the open season so that future generations will be able to enjoy this summer ritual as well.
Rachael and Jennifer Greet the Grunion, photo by P. Vasquez (click to enlarge)
May the fish be with you!
