Solstice Sea Star Search

Every solstice we're looking for sea stars living along the California coast. In 2024, the search is on during both the summer solstice (June 20) and winter solstice (December 21).

We’re especially keeping an eye out for sunflower stars and giant pink sea stars, but we want to document as many star species as possible.

Sunflower stars are incredibly important keystone predators in our kelp forests and were especially hard-hit by sea star wasting syndrome. While we know there are some sunflower star populations still out there, they’re pretty hard to find. Someone observed a sunflower star sea on April 12, 2024, in Mendocino — let's see if we can find more!

More people searching for sea stars means more chances of finding and documenting them — we’re hopeful that by coming together to search for these keystone species, we can better understand and restore sea star populations in the long run. (Psst, a fun bonus: solstice low tides are pretty phenomenal for exploring.)

Keep reading for how to join the Solstice Sea Star Search!

Participating in the Solstice Sea Star Search is both easy and fun — here's how to get started:

1. Download the iNaturalist app for iOS or Android.
2. Create an account to start making observations.
3. Join the Solstice Sea Star Search iNaturalist project
4. 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).
5. Observe during low tide. See NOAA's tide table to find exact times for low tides near you.
6. Spread the word with hashtag #SolsticeSeaStarSearch!

1. Observe things where you find them! Never remove animals, rocks, shells, seaweeds, or plants from the tidepools.
2. Walk gently, taking care to avoid stepping on animals or seaweeds (especially the shiny ones, because those are the most slippery).
3. Don't “roll” rocks — animals living on the underside of rocks can only survive there.
4. Be aware of the wildlife around you and try to minimize disturbances.
5. Be careful! Tidepools and rocky shorelines are slippery, and tides and waves can catch you off guard. Never turn your back on the ocean.