California Sea Grant provides a variety of information, fact sheets, and frequently asked questions on coastal topics. Check out the resources below, produced by our communications and extension teams.
Enjoy the beach
Explore this website to learn about plants that build dunes, fish that run onto land, and crabs that move incredible distances migrating with the tide. Discover the dynamic process of sand movement and the impacts of beach grooming,coastal armoring , and nourishment on beaches and beach ecosystems. And learn how climate change is affecting beaches, and what you can do to help.
Nationally, lifeguards rescue approximately 60,000 people from drowning a year, and an estimated 80% of these near-drownings are caused by rip currents. To learn more, read our three myths about rip currents.
The term king tide is generally used to describe the highest tides of the year. Learn more about what causes these extreme tides, when they're happening, and what they can teach us about climate change impacts.
Here in California, we share our coastline with a number of marine mammals. Learn more about how to safely and appropriately view the wildlife, and what to do if you encounter an animal in distress.
Safe and sustainable seafood
What is aquaculture? What is grown and where is it practiced?
Did you know that there are approximately 70 species landed in California throughout the year? Yet many of these locally caught species are unknown to most Californians. This site provides information on the biology, fishery, nutrition, and culinary uses of species landed or farmed in California to help consumers make informed seafood choices.
This website provides information about key features of California's commercial fisheries statewide and by region.
Read our FAQ: Harmful algal blooms and wild-caught seafood in California to learn all you need to know about safe handling and eating of wild-caught seafood in California. Or check out our HAB infographics for a more a quick and visual guide. For information on the 2015-16 closure of the California Dungeness crab fishery, see Frequently Asked Questions: Domoic Acid in California Crabs.
Seafood alternative marketing expands the options available to fishermen for selling their catch and can provide economic and social benefits to fishing communities. Learn more and find out if it might be for you!
Find a variety of resources and links on aquaculture in California, including information on aquaculture management and techniques, regulatory information, and fish stocking.
California's unique environment
Learn how California Sea Grant is helping bring back endangered coho salmon in Sonoma County. If you like to go fishing, learn how to tell the difference between endangered coho and other species, to avoid heavy fines.
Non-native species can wreak havoc in lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Help protect kelp beds and reefs from invasive seaweeds, or check out our manual for lake managers on early detection monitoring for quagga mussels and rapid response to suspected invasions.
California is home to a unique network of 124 marine protected areas (MPAs), created to protect our valuable ocean resources. This network was established through a science-based, stakeholder-driven process and represents one of the most advanced marine protection management systems in the world. California Sea Grant works with California state agencies to provide science-based information to help manage these important regions. Learn about MPA research and monitoring, find reports and data, and explore MPA outreach resources.
What's a red tide, where do they happen, and how can you find out more about a current red tide event?
This web guide highlights most common species found in Morro Bay. Scroll through the photos to learn more about the bay and what lives under its surface.