Creature Feature: Pacific Razor Clam

In California, the Pacific razor clam may be found from the California-Oregon border southward to Pismo Beach, but they are most abundant in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.

Southern California Fisheries Closure Implemented Due to Oil Spill

Crude oil is shown in the Pacific Ocean offshore of Orange County, Oct. 3, 2021. A unified command has been established to respond to and clean up the oil spill off the California coast. Official U.S. Coast Guard photo

Notification from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife:

Take of all fish and shellfish is immediately prohibited from Huntington Beach to Dana Point, including the shorelines and offshore areas and all bays due to an oil spill in Southern California.

California’s Ocean Habitats: The Rocky Intertidal Zone

Flattop crab in a Montara State Marine Reserve tidepool. photo © Alison Young CC BY-NC 2.0

Purple sea urchins and a host of intertidal creatures at Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. photo © amyyy4004 CC BY-NC 2.0

Moonglow anemone in a Montara State Marine Reserve tidepool. photo © Alison Young CC BY-NC 2.0

Intertidal zone at Point Lobos State Marine Reserve. photo © ampersandroo CC BY-NC 2.0

Imagine a mystical world revealed when the gravitational forces from glowing celestial orbs peel back watery waves, uncovering pools teeming with life. Jewel-toned, flower-like animals gently sway in the currents, waiting for their next meal to float by.

Creature Feature: White Seabass

White seabass may be found statewide off California, but are seldom seen north of San Francisco Bay. They usually travel in schools over rocky bottoms and through kelp beds.

Creature Feature: White Croaker

White croakers may be found statewide off sandy beaches near and within the surf zone, however they are most abundant from San Francisco Bay southward. White croakers swim in loose schools at or near the bottom, in the surf zone, or in shallow bays and lagoons.