Citizen Science on the Beach: Scientific Uses and Policy Impacts of Data from Grunion Greeters

An elusive marine fish, the California Grunion Leuresthes tenuis is seen only during its spectacular midnight runs. Coming completely out of the water, the surfing silversides spawn on wave-washed shores, burying their eggs... [ view full abstract ]

An elusive marine fish, the California Grunion Leuresthes tenuis is seen only during its spectacular midnight runs. Coming completely out of the water, the surfing silversides spawn on wave-washed shores, burying their eggs beneath a few inches of sand before disappearing back into the ocean. Traditional fisheries methods cannot assess this species. The best data are produced by over 4000 citizen scientists trained as Grunion Greeters to observe spawning runs on local beaches, over the entire habitat range. Started in 2002, this long-term dataset influences resource agencies, affects shoreline management, reveals range extensions, and addresses population status and basic science for this charismatic endemic species living along one of the world's most populous coastlines. Data are used by the California Coastal Commission, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Parks, National Marine Fisheries Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and many local entities.