Snapshot Cal Coast

Snapshot Cal Coast is 10! From June 1 to June 30, help us document California's incredible coastal biodiversity on your own or at a bioblitz event near you.

Every summer, the Academy's Center for Biodiversity and Community Science—with support from the California Ocean Protection Council, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the MPA (Marine Protected Area) Collaborative Network, and many other partners—mobilizes communities from Del Norte to San Diego to make and share observations of plants, animals, and seaweeds along the California coast using the iNaturalist app.

Snapshot Cal Coast focuses on the rocky intertidal, but data from any coastal-influenced habitats along the California Coast, including sandy beaches, bays, wetlands, and docks, are important. By creating a real-time, statewide snapshot of current species ranges, we're building a community of observers that provides valuable data for scientists at local, regional, and state levels, and answering targeted research questions in support of the California Coast.

Thanks for participating—and we'll see you at the seaside soon!

View California events

Getting started is a snap!

Participating in Snapshot Cal Coast is as easy and fun as a day at the beach. Get started in six easy steps:

Download the iNaturalist app for iOS or Android.
Create an account to start making observations.
Head to the coast on your own time or during a bioblitz to make and share observations of plants and animals you see, especially species on our "most wanted" list (see below).
Observe during low tide. You can use this tool made by our team to find low tides anywhere in California. Or you can use NOAA's tide table to find exact times for low tides near you.
Spread the word with hashtag #SnapshotCalCoast!

Use iNaturalist like a pro

Check out what we are finding!

Keep tidepool etiquette top of mind

Observe things where you find them. Never remove animals, rocks, shells, seaweeds, or plants from the tidepools.
Walk gently, taking care to avoid stepping on animals or seaweeds.
Do not “roll” rocks. Animals living on the underside of rocks can only survive there.
Be aware of the wildlife around you and try to minimize disturbances.
Be careful! Tidepools and rocky shorelines are slippery, and tides and waves can catch you off guard. Never turn your back on the ocean.

Explore our tidepool toolkit

Find and join an event near you

Partner organizations, California State Parks, tribes, and nonprofits are hosting tidepooling events between June 1 and June 30 along the California coast for you to join with your family and friends! Check out the links below to register for an event near you.

Alameda County

June 8, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.: Snapshot Aquatic Park Estuary and Cleanup at Aquatic Park, Berkeley. Hosted by Shark Stewards and UC Berkeley Ocean Society. Register here.

Humboldt County

June 28, 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Baker Beach, Trinidad | Hosted by California Academy of Sciences Register Here

Los Angeles County

June 14, 8:30 a.m.–10 a.m.: Snapshot Cal Coast Tidepool Bioblitz at Bluff Cove in Rancho Palos Verdes. Hosted by Heal the Bay. Register here.

Orange County

June 2, 9:30 a.m. Dana Point Bioblitz. Hosted by City of Dana Point. Email Bernie to register.

June 18, 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Los Trancos Bioblitz Hosted by Crystal Cove State Park Email Victoria to register

Santa Barbara County

May 30, 8–10 a.m.: Snapshot Beach Walk at Campus Point at Coal Oil Point Preserve. Hosted by MPA Collaborative Network. Register here.

San Diego County

June 7, 9–11 a.m.: Bilingual BioBlitz at Tijuana Slough Wildlife Refuge. Hosted by San Diego Natural History Museum. Register here.

San Luis Obispo County

June 3, 11 a.m. Leffingwell Landing State Park Bioblitz hosted by California State Parks, No registration needed. Email Libbie with any questions

June 29, 9 a.m. Estero Bluffs State Park Bioblitz hosted by California State Parks, No registration needed. Email Libbie with any questions

San Mateo County

June 13, 7–9:30 a.m.: Bioblitz at Pillar Point Reef, Half Moon Bay. Hosted by California Academy of Sciences. Register here.

Most-wanted species

In addition to documenting as many species as possible from as many places as possible, we are also interested in learning more about a handful of “most-wanted” species and groups. These include introduced species for which we have limited data on their ranges, species whose ranges are affected by changing oceanic conditions and habitat modification, and species that are affected by emerging diseases.

Check out the iNaturalist Most Wanted Species Guide for more information.