Native coastal fish, California Grunion, respond to increased protection based on community science data
In: Journal of Coastal Research. Coastal Education and Research Foundation: Fort Lauderdale. ISSN 0749-0208; e-ISSN 1551-5036, more
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| Abstract |
Southern California's sandy beaches are famous worldwide for tourism and recreation. The same beaches are also essential fish habitat for a native marine fish, the only habitat where California Grunion reproduce. These New World silversides surf onto shore during semilunar high tides on spring and summer nights and then drop out of the water in the upper intertidal zone. Females dig tail first into the wet, soft sand to release their eggs, burying them a few centimeters deep (Walker, 1952). Males cluster around the females on the surface and release milt for external fertilization (Figure 1). The spectacular sight of hundreds to thousands of silvery fish emerging from the waves onto the sand under the moon and stars has been a cultural touchstone for locals since prehistoric times (Figure 2). |
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