The image shows a scenic coastal landscape during sunset. The foreground features rugged, reddish-brown cliffs with some vegetation. Below the cliffs, there is a rocky shoreline with scattered boulders and small pools of water. The ocean stretches out to the horizon, with gentle waves rolling in. The sky is a gradient of colors, transitioning from a soft orange near the horizon to a pale blue higher up, indicating the sun is setting. The overall atmosphere is calm and serene, with warm tones from the setting sun illuminating the scene.
Cabrillo, What is in the Tidepools

What’s in the Tidepools? – Summer 2026

(Cabrillo Coastal Area – NPS Photo/Carmen A.) As we prepare to start our tidepool season, here are a few photos from the past few months. You will find some photos of baby gulls that VIP Ben took with his spotting scope. You will see some images that VIP Rick captured (actually his brother), of the Glowing Fireworms at Mission Bay on a tour that VIP … Continue reading What’s in the Tidepools? – Summer 2026

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A bright glowing worm against a black background
Continuing Education

Watch the Glowing Fireworms

Fireworms are mating! If you are interested in watching small worms mating & glowing like green light sticks now is the season. VIP Mary has selected September 9th for the more intense light show. These fireworms or glowworms, Odontosyllis phosphorea, swim up from the bottom to mate on the surface water for half an hour. When thousands of these worms glow, it makes for a wonderful show! … Continue reading Watch the Glowing Fireworms

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A lighthouse and pine tree in shadow at sunset. The words Did You Know are in blue at the base of the image
Did You Know

Did You Know – Medical Applications with Sandcastle Worms, Crabs and Seaweeds

Sandcastle worms are fascinating marine critters. If you have visited the tidepools, you may have seen their homes. But you never see the worms during low tides because they are hunkered down inside their home. Look at the images below from iNaturalist to see these remarkable critters. Learn how they and crabs are being used in medical applications. Sandcastle worms, scientifically known as Phragmatopoma californica, … Continue reading Did You Know – Medical Applications with Sandcastle Worms, Crabs and Seaweeds

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Rocky coastline with layered stones and waves crashing against the shore under bright sunlight.
Cabrillo

How researchers are using ground sensors to predict cliff collapse

Perhaps one day soon we can monitor the cliffs at Cabrillo… From kpbs.org – July 10, 2026 Ground sensors can help predict the collapse of cliffs along San Diego’s coast according to research conducted over four years by Scripps Institution of Oceanography scientists. In a study published Thursday, researchers detailed how they used advanced sensors to track and predict coastal cliff erosion at three North County San … Continue reading How researchers are using ground sensors to predict cliff collapse

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