July Open Season Update, 2009 Grunion Runs
A Message from Karen Martin, Ph.D., Pepperdine Professor of Biology
WARNING: POACHING GRUNION IS ILLEGAL AND MAY CAUSE NAUSEA AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION!
Greetings to all Grunionistas!
Grunion love
Photo by Julianne E. Steers
Well, it was an interesting weekend for the surfing silversides. There were far more people than fish on many beaches over the weekend, resulting in some Grunion Interruptus and massive captures. They bravely persevere, still coming ashore to spawn after the crowds leave or in quieter locations.
As the season winds down these numbers decrease but there is still a decent chance of grunion on shore. We had reports of significant runs in San Diego County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara County, although many of the runs were smaller because of the intense human fishing pressure. It's clear that the Closed Season is vital for protecting the future of this species.
Grunion Fishing
Photo by Chris Lindeman
Poaching is a huge problem. Even though it is Open Season, all fishers above the age of 16 must have a fishing license displayed above the waist. NO GEAR IS EVER ALLOWED for catching California Grunion, bare hands are the only tools you can use. Anything else is poaching.
Please report any poaching you see to the Department of Fish and Game, 1-888-DFG-CalTIP.
The next generation
Photo by Chris Lindeman
Pepperdine's Team Grunion went on the road in July to Crystal Cove's Historic District for a brief residency in the Science Lab at Cottage 22, and then to the Ocean Institute at Dana Point. Researchers enjoyed the ambiance and collected data to help us understand early development of the California Grunion in different beach habitats. Cassadie's research describing the staging series will appear this month in the Journal of Fish Biology.
Grunion Greeters this summer have filed nearly 800 reports on beaches from Tijuana to Tomales Bay. We have more data to analyze and more volunteers to thank than ever before. This was truly a record year for your efforts. Thank you very much for your hard work, patience, and passion for the surfing silversides.
Splashy Grunion!
Photo by Sabrina Kasbati
It is a great pleasure to see the impact your efforts have made at the local and state level. Your comments are always welcome, and your enthusiasm is truly inspiring. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to work with each of you.
There is still the possibility of a few more runs in late July and August. Enjoy your summer and may the fish be with you!
-- Karen
Beach Style!
Photo by Karen Martin
