Grunion Greeters

It’s that time again when the grunions “run” ashore to participate in their unique mating rituals. The sardine-like silver fish ride the high tide onto sandy beaches, stick their tails in the ground, and lay eggs. A male suitor then wraps around his paramour and fertilizes the eggs. Ten days later, at the next high tide, the wee spawn catch a watery ride back into the ocean to begin their lives. Each year Channelkeeper recruits volunteers to watch over the eggs in the sand. A workshop to learn how to be “Grunion Greeters” is being held Thursday, April 22, 6-8 p.m., at UCSB’s Marine Science Auditorium. Registration is required by April 16; email ben@sbck.org to sign up. For workshop details, visit grunion.org.