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Solstice Sea Star Search

Join the Solstice Sea Star Search

Help us find and document sea stars along the California coast for the winter solstice.

Contribute to community science this December by searching for sea stars in San Diego! The California Academy of Science is on the hunt for sea stars along the California coast from San Diego to Del Norte County, and they need your help! They are especially keeping an eye out for sunflower stars and giant pink sea stars but want to document as many star species as possible.

More people looking for sea stars means more chances to find and learn about them. We’re hopeful that by working together to search for these important creatures, we can gain insights and help bring their populations back over time. Plus, low tides during the solstice make for some great tide pooling!

Getting Started

  1. Download the iNaturalist App: Available on iOS and Android.

  2. Create an Account: Start making observations right away.

  1. Join the Project: Join the iNaturalist Project to track your observations.

  1. Visit the Coast: Head out on your own or join an event to observe and document sea stars and other marine life during the whole month of December.

  1. Observe During Low Tide: Use Cal Academy’s TideFinder to locate low tides in your area.

  1. Share Your Experience: Use the hashtag #SolsticeSeaStarSearch on social media.

Help us make a difference in restoring these incredible marine species by participating in the Solstice Sea Star Search. Your observations can lead to a greater understanding and conservation of these fascinating ocean dwellers. Happy tide pooling!

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