Grunion Run
It might seem like a joke, but the Grunion Run is a real thing.
Happy Spring to all past and potential Grunion Greeters!
This is your friendly reminder that the most amazing beach-spawning fish in the world is headed your way. For the 5th year, citizen scientists (maybe YOU!) will observe the California Grunion’s intimate activities on beautiful sandy beaches during the most ideal times for viewing. Your observations are reported via a web-based questionnaire to be used for beach management activities and scientific studies.
If you attend a training workshop you will be able to earn some fun prizes as well as having a wonderful time on the beach with this charismatic watchable wildlife. Rejoice in the knowledge that many of our monitoring dates are on weekends this year!
Please hit the link to “Volunteer” for a list of workshops from the border to the Bay. I hope you will RSVP to join us for this unique opportunity to contribute to our knowledge about this mysterious and fascinating animal.
What is a grunion?
California grunion are a species of marine fish found only along the coast of southern California and northern Baja California. They are justifiably famous for their unique spawning behavior. Grunion spawn completely out of the water and lay their eggs on many sandy beaches in California. Shortly after high tide, on specific nights, sections of these beaches sometimes are covered with thousands of grunion dancing about on the sand. The popularity of these grunion runs means that some nights there are more people lining the beaches than grunion in the run.
The eggs remain buried in the sand throughout incubation, fully out of water for approximately 2 weeks. The larvae hatch when the eggs wash out by high waves during tides before the new and full moons. Grunion spawn at the age of 1 year, and live for 2 to 4 years. Because of their vulnerability during the spawning season, they are protected by a closed season. No taking of grunion is permitted during April and May. During other months, no gear is permitted so collection may take place only with bare hands, and a fishing license is required. Here at Grunion.Org we encourage “catch and release” of the grunion. For more information visit California Department of Fish and Game, Marine Region
Wow, how about giving us the dates? I would love to plan on taking my children to this incredible event, but you did not give us the dates.
Thanks!
Orange County Mom,
Linda
on the grunion.org website it says …
Typically, the grunions make their way back into the ocean between the months of March and August, with peak runs in April through June. Runs are predicted a year in advance because of the regularity of the grunions. Many workshops for Grunion Greeters are scheduled in various cities in southern California a month or two before the predicted run. Click here for workshop information.
you can find the date here
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/Mrd/gruschd.html
you welcome
Truong Dinh
Many, many (at least 20 years worth) moons ago I had the great adventure of being a “Grunion Observer” in Huntington Beach. A friend invited me along and said “You haven’t really lived until you experience a Grunion Run.” Boy was he right! It was a very chilly night when the Grunions came to spawn, and lined the beach in masses of silver…But it was well worth it as I observed the Grunion’s beach themselves, due their spawn dance, and swim back with the waves while the children tried to usher / assist / catch them.
I haven’t been back to witness this occasion since, but the memory of that night is still very vivid as if it was just yesterday.
Don’t take my word for how spectacular the run is, nor anyone else’s, experience a run for yourself and be sure to take “lots” of photos (even if you’re not big on fish), you’ll want them for later in life when you to get to share your memories / experiences with others who haven’t ever been to a Grunion Run (and or think fish are just slimy water creatures better left alone).
they were running in Ocean Beach San Diego last night. I went to check out the beach and wow.. thousands of lil’ guys running everywhere… I also helped a few in.. I am the grunion whisperer!!!!
my parents used to do that and i would love to go down with some of my friends….. when are the dates?