Three people exploring a rocky shoreline at low tide. The person on the left is an older man wearing a white cap, glasses, a blue shirt, and a navy vest. He is smiling and waving with his right hand while holding a white plastic bag in his left hand. He also has a blue pouch or bag slung across his body. The middle person is wearing a dark hoodie and a green cap, looking down at the ground as they walk. The person on the right is wearing a light gray hoodie, tan cap, and brown boots, holding what looks like black gloves or seaweed in their right hand. The ground is covered in wet rocks, patches of green seaweed, and shallow pools of water, with larger rocks and the ocean in the background. The overall scene appears overcast and cool.
What is in the Tidepools

What’s in the Tidepools? – Summer 2025 Edition

A large, shiny black sea slug lying on a bed of greenish-brown seaweed and rocks. The sea slug has a smooth, elongated body with a slightly wrinkled texture and a visible opening near one end. Its surface is wet and glossy, reflecting the light. The surrounding seaweed is dense and bushy, with thin, finger-like fronds. The rocks beneath are covered in patches of green and pink, with small barnacles and other marine life attached. The overall scene appears to be in a tidal pool or rocky shoreline environment.

What’s In the Tidepools? – Summer 2025

(Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/R. Streeper)

This is a summer edition of What’s In the Tidepools. On June 28, TPERP volunteers and staff attended our annual tidepool cleanup. We were able to remove 490 pounds of trash from the tidepools.

Along with removing the trash, the highlight of the early morning was discovering a two-spot octopus in a shallow tidepool. Along with the photos in the gallery below, there are two short videos of the ocotopus. The first is by staffer Pauline and the second is by volunteer Rod. Please enjoy. Also a thank you to Gary Junker for his contributions to our photo gallery.

Thank you to everyone who helped remove the trash from the tidepools and thank you to Cabrillo National Monument Foundation for providing us with coffee and doughnuts.

Don’t forget to visit the Tidepool Videos page and our YouTube page.

Enjoy the virtual visit through the tidepools.

A large, shiny black sea slug resting on a rocky tide pool surface. The slug is surrounded by various types of seaweed and marine algae in shades of green, purple, and brown. There are also some tan, noodle-like marine organisms attached to the rocks nearby. The environment is wet and natural, typical of a coastal tide pool.
Black Sea Hare and eggs – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A conch shell partially buried in wet sand, with some reddish-brown seaweed attached to the top. The shell has a rough, bumpy surface with pale and greenish hues. The opening of the shell reveals the orange and brown body of the living mollusk inside, with sand sticking to its exposed parts. The surrounding area is covered in damp sand and scattered bits of seaweed.
Kellet’s Whelk – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline at low tide, with large boulders and patches of green seaweed and algae covering the rocks and ground. The sky is overcast, and the ocean is visible in the background with gentle waves. Two people are walking and exploring the tide pools in the distance, both wearing jackets and hats. The scene looks calm and natural, with a mix of wet sand, rocks, and marine vegetation.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A cluster of dark blue-black mussel shells tightly packed together on a rocky surface. Many of the mussels are encrusted with barnacles and patches of yellowish and white lichen or algae. Around the mussel cluster, the rock is covered with various types of seaweed, including greenish-brown and purplish fronds, as well as small, round, pinkish barnacles and other marine growths. The overall scene suggests a tidal zone on a rocky seashore.
– NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Two people, a man and a woman, are walking together across dry, grassy terrain near the ocean. They are both wearing uniforms with badges and gloves, suggesting they are park rangers or wildlife workers. The man is dressed in a light blue shirt and khaki pants, while the woman is in a light green shirt and olive pants. They are carrying a large metal animal trap or cage between them. The background shows the coastline, with waves and cloudy skies, and some green shrubs further back. Both appear to be focused on their task, and the woman is smiling.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rock pool with sand, seaweed, and a well-camouflaged fish. The image shows a shallow pool of clear water at the seashore, with various textures and colors. There are patches of green and purple seaweed attached to rocks, and some brown kelp. In the center of the image, blending in with the sandy bottom, is a flat fish—likely a flounder or similar species—whose mottled, speckled skin makes it difficult to see. The fish is lying still, its outline just visible against the sand, with its fins and tail slightly spread. The overall scene is natural and tranquil, with subtle marine life details.
Two Spot Octopus – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A large marine snail with a thick, rounded shell. The shell has a brown and tan mottled pattern and a spiral shape. The snail's body is partially visible, with a yellowish-orange foot extending out from under the shell. The snail is on a wet, rocky surface, possibly in a tide pool, with green and black algae or moss around it. The texture of the snail's body and shell is rough and bumpy.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Two large, shiny black sea slugs nestled among rocks and seaweed in a tide pool. The sea slugs are elongated and smooth, with a wet, glossy appearance. They are surrounded by various types of seaweed and algae in shades of green and purple, clinging to the rocks. The environment is damp, with some water visible at the bottom of the image, indicating a coastal or intertidal zone. The overall scene is natural and vibrant, highlighting the diversity of marine life in a tide pool habitat.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A cluster of dark blue-black mussels attached to a rock. The mussels have ridged shells with some lighter streaks and patches of barnacles and other small marine organisms growing on them. Around the mussels, the rock is covered with greenish algae, small barnacles, and bits of seaweed. The background is out of focus but shows more rocks and green algae, suggesting a tide pool or rocky shoreline environment.
Mussels – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline at low tide with scattered groups of people. The foreground and midground are covered in dark, rounded rocks and patches of green and brown seaweed. Several people, some wearing backpacks and outdoor clothing, are exploring the tide pools and rocky terrain. To the left, there is a layered rock formation with a fence on top. The ocean is calm in the background, with gentle waves and a cloudy, overcast sky above. The scene has a cool, muted color palette, giving it a tranquil, slightly misty atmosphere.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/G. Junker
A tangled mass of yellowish, noodle-like strands lying on wet rocks and surrounded by various types of seaweed in a tide pool. The yellow mass appears to be some kind of egg case or marine invertebrate, possibly a sea slug or snail egg ribbon. Around it, there are patches of green and purplish-brown seaweed, and the area is partially submerged in shallow, clear water with sandy and rocky substrate visible beneath. The scene is natural and appears to be at a rocky shoreline or tide pool.
Sea Hare Eggs – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
Tide pool scene with seaweed and marine life. The image shows a shallow pool of clear water surrounded by rocks and covered in various types of seaweed. The seaweed is mostly pinkish-purple and brown, draping over the rocks and floating in the water. Pebbles and stones are visible on the bottom of the pool. In the center, under a rocky overhang, there are a couple of small crabs blending in with the stones. The overall setting appears to be a coastal tide pool, rich with marine vegetation and small creatures.
Spiny Lobsters – NPS Photo/D. Wieder
Large, shiny, black slug-like sea creature resting on a bed of long, green grass. The creature has a smooth, wet-looking surface and an elongated, rounded body. Its head is slightly pointed, and there are subtle ridges and bumps along its back. The overall appearance is glossy and almost tar-like, blending in with the natural surroundings.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Three people unloading debris and trash from the back of a white pickup truck. The individuals are wearing uniforms with long sleeves, gloves, and caps, suggesting they are part of an organized cleanup effort. The truck bed is filled with various items, including large pieces of debris, black trash bags, and what looks like broken pieces of wood or metal. The scene is set in a dry, grassy field with hills and a lighthouse or tall structure visible in the background. There are a few buildings and palm trees nearby, and the sky is overcast.
Loading Trash into Truck – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A shallow tide pool with sandy bottom, scattered green and brown seaweed, and patches of algae-covered rocks. In the center, there is a well-camouflaged cuttlefish blending almost perfectly with the sand and seaweed. Its body has mottled patterns and colors that mimic the surrounding environment, making it difficult to spot at first glance. The cuttlefish’s arms and tentacles are faintly visible, splayed out and partially hidden by the seaweed. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the marine life and textures beneath the surface.
Two Spot Octopus – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline covered in green seaweed and algae, with three people scattered across the scene. The people are wearing hats and jackets, and each is holding a white trash bag, suggesting they are participating in a beach cleanup. The sky is overcast, and the ocean is calm, with gentle waves meeting the rocks. In the background, there are rugged cliffs and hills with patches of vegetation. The overall atmosphere is cool and misty.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline at low tide with several people scattered across the scene. The foreground is filled with large, rounded rocks covered in dark green seaweed and patches of sand with small tide pools. In the middle ground, a person dressed in dark clothing is walking toward the camera, carrying a white bag and what appears to be a grabber tool, suggesting they are picking up litter or cleaning the beach. Other people are visible farther away, also carrying bags and spread out along the exposed rocky and mossy tidal flats. The sky is overcast, and the ocean is calm in the background. The overall atmosphere is cool and quiet, with a focus on environmental care.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A bright pink, brain-like sea creature nestled in a rocky tide pool. The main subject is a round, shiny, and wrinkled mass that looks somewhat like a small brain or a bundle of intestines. It is surrounded by brownish and purple seaweed or coral, with some green algae visible in the lower right corner. The surrounding rocks are wet and covered with various small marine organisms, giving the scene a vibrant, natural tide pool appearance.
Hopkins Rose Nudibranch – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Sea anemone and a sea star in a tide pool. The sea anemone is on the left side of the image, with its tentacles spread out in shades of green, blue, and cream. The sea star, which appears to be an ochre sea star, is orange with rough, bumpy skin and is partially covered with sand. The two creatures are nestled closely together in shallow water, surrounded by wet rocks and bits of seaweed. The water is clear, allowing the textures and colors of the marine life to be seen vividly.
Anemone with Lobster – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A large, shiny black sea slug lying on wet sand in a tide pool. The slug has a smooth, glistening surface and is surrounded by green seagrass, brown and green seaweed, and some purple algae. The animal appears to be partially submerged in shallow water, blending in with the natural rocky and sandy environment. Its body is elongated and somewhat oval-shaped, with a slightly raised area near one end that may be its head.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Three people exploring a rocky shoreline at low tide. The person on the left is an older man wearing a white cap, glasses, a blue shirt, and a navy vest. He is smiling and waving with his right hand while holding a white plastic bag in his left hand. He also has a blue pouch or bag slung across his body. The middle person is wearing a dark hoodie and a green cap, looking down at the ground as they walk. The person on the right is wearing a light gray hoodie, tan cap, and brown boots, holding what looks like black gloves or seaweed in their right hand. The ground is covered in wet rocks, patches of green seaweed, and shallow pools of water, with larger rocks and the ocean in the background. The overall scene appears overcast and cool.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/G. Junker
A bright orange starfish underwater, resting on a sandy surface with patches of green algae and surrounded by long, thin blades of seagrass. The water is clear, allowing the starfish and the underwater plants to be seen easily, though there is some reflection of the sky or surroundings on the water’s surface in the lower part of the image. The starfish is the central focus and stands out against the green and tan background.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
Close-up view of a large marine snail. The snail has a thick, fleshy, beige and brown body with a prominent, spiral-shaped shell partially visible at the top. Its body is moist and textured, with a smooth, shiny appearance. The snail's eye stalk is visible, with a dark ring around the eye. The animal is attached to a rough, rocky surface covered in small barnacles and patches of algae. Nearby, there are a couple of smaller, round, dark-shelled snails or limpets on the rock. The overall scene is wet, likely in a tidal zone.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
Large marine mollusk with a smooth, shiny, grayish-brown shell and a bright orange, fleshy foot. The animal is attached to a rock covered in purple and green seaweed, with some green seagrass nearby. The mollusk’s body is partially extended, and its orange foot is moist and glossy, contrasting with the darker, leathery appearance of the rest of its body. The environment appears to be a tide pool or rocky shoreline.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/D. Wieder
A shallow tide pool with sand, seaweed, and rocks. In the center of the image, there is a well-camouflaged octopus blending in with the sandy bottom and surrounding seaweed. Its body and arms are mottled with patterns and colors that make it difficult to distinguish from the environment. The octopus is partially covered by a piece of brown seaweed, and its arms are spread out, mimicking the textures and shapes of the underwater plants and rocks nearby. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the octopus and the various marine plants around it.
Two Spot Octopus – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A close-up view of a marine snail attached to a rock. The snail’s shell is round and patterned with earthy tones, and its soft body is partially extended from the shell. The exposed part of the snail’s body is a creamy yellow color, with a bright orange-yellow edge near the opening. The snail’s head and two small tentacles are visible, and the surrounding rock surface is covered in barnacles and algae, giving it a rough texture. The image is detailed, showing the moist, shiny appearance of the snail and the wet rock.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Tide pool scene with green seaweed, brown algae, and a mass of cream-colored, coiled egg strings attached to a rock just above the waterline. The egg strings are likely from a marine snail or nudibranch. The water below reflects some of the seaweed and contains patches of red algae. The overall setting is natural and moist, with various textures and colors from the marine life.
– NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Bright red sea star with orange-yellow tips on its arms, lying on wet sand and surrounded by green seagrass and various types of seaweed. The sea star appears to be in a tide pool area, with water and small marine life visible around it. The texture of the sea star is bumpy and shiny, indicating it is wet. The environment looks natural and coastal.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Group of four people standing outdoors in front of a pickup truck loaded with metal cages and equipment. Three women and one man are smiling at the camera. Two women and the man are wearing matching blue shirts and tan hats with a circular patch, while the other woman is in a dark green shirt with a National Park Service badge. The background shows grassy land, a few white buildings with red roofs, and a lighthouse. The sky is overcast, and the group appears to be involved in some outdoor or conservation work.
Loading Trash into Truck – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky tide pool surface with marine life. In the center of the image, there is a snail shell that appears to have been broken open, revealing the yellowish-orange flesh inside. The surrounding area is covered in a mix of green and black algae, as well as small barnacles and tiny snails. To the left, there is a shallow pool of water with submerged rocks and more small snails visible. The overall scene is a close-up of a tide pool ecosystem, showing various textures and colors from the marine organisms and the wet, rocky environment.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Large, shiny black sea slug resting on wet sand and surrounded by green seagrass and bits of seaweed. The sea slug has a smooth, glistening surface and a somewhat teardrop shape, with two horn-like structures at one end, which are its rhinophores (sensory organs). Near the bottom left of the image, there is a pale green sea anemone partially buried in the sand, with its tentacles retracted. The scene appears to be in a tide pool or coastal area.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A tide pool scene with various types of seaweed and marine life. In the center, partially under a rocky ledge, there is a large black sea creature with a bright orange-yellow center, likely a sea anemone or a type of mollusk such as a chiton. The surrounding area features green and brown seaweed, some long and stringy, and some bushy and branched. The water is clear, reflecting some of the colors and textures from above. There are also some thin green blades of grass or algae crossing the foreground. The overall setting is a rocky shoreline with diverse intertidal organisms.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline with two people. In the foreground, a woman wearing a wide-brimmed white hat, blue jacket, tan pants, and gloves is walking across the rocks. She holds a walking stick in one hand and a large white bag in the other, possibly collecting trash or samples. In the background, a man in a white hoodie, olive pants, and black boots is also walking among the rocks. He carries a long pole over his shoulder and a smaller tool in his other hand. The ground is uneven, covered with rocks, patches of green seaweed, and tide pools. The scene appears overcast and the area looks like a coastal tide pool zone.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/G. Junker
A large rock covered with seaweed and marine algae. The rock is situated in a tidal area, surrounded by shallow pools of water and patches of green and purple algae. Draped over the top of the rock is a dark, shiny sea slug or nudibranch, contrasting with the yellow-brown seaweed that cascades down the sides. The surrounding area is a mix of wet rocks, water, and various types of sea plants, creating a textured and colorful coastal scene.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
A large marine snail attached to a rocky surface. The snail has a thick, spiral shell with a rough texture and a central opening. Its body is visible, appearing soft and fleshy, with a mottled brown and tan coloration. The surrounding rock is covered in small barnacles, algae, and other tiny marine organisms, giving it a rough, uneven texture. There are also a few smaller snails and limpets scattered around the main snail, blending into the rocky background. The scene appears to be from a tide pool or intertidal zone.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
Large, colorful bracket fungus growing on a tree trunk. The fungus has a bright orange, wavy upper surface that looks moist and shiny. Below the orange top, there is a thick, brownish band that transitions into a grayish, shelf-like lower portion. The texture appears rubbery and smooth in some areas, with a few dark, glossy patches. Surrounding the fungus are tufts of green grass and purple-brown moss or lichen clinging to the tree bark. The overall appearance is striking due to the vivid contrast between the orange, brown, and gray colors.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/D. Wieder
Three people unloading wire cages from the back of a pickup truck. The scene takes place outdoors on a dry, grassy field. Two of the people are wearing light blue shirts, khaki pants, and boots, with one of them also wearing a tan baseball cap and gloves. The third person, who is bent over in the truck bed, is dressed in a gray shirt and brown pants. The truck bed is filled with wire cages, bags, and other equipment. In the background, there are a few houses with red roofs, palm trees, and another white vehicle. The sky is overcast.
Loading Trash into Truck – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Shallow tide pool with sand, rocks, and seaweed. In the center of the image, there is a camouflaged octopus blending in with the sandy bottom and rocks. Its body is mottled with light and dark patches, making it difficult to spot at first glance. Around the octopus, there are various types of seaweed and algae, as well as rocks covered in barnacles and small patches of green and purple marine growth. The water is clear, allowing a good view of the underwater scene.
Two Spot Octopus – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A small, pink starfish lying on the sandy bottom of shallow water. The starfish is surrounded by long, green strands of seagrass. The water is clear, allowing the sand and bits of shell beneath to be visible. There is a faint reflection or glare in the upper right and lower left corners, possibly from a glass or plastic barrier above the water.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline at low tide, covered with green and brown seaweed and algae. Large, rounded rocks and boulders are scattered across the foreground, many of them slick with marine growth. In the background, there is a sloping hill with layered rock formations and patches of vegetation. Two people are visible: one closer to the left, wearing a light blue jacket and dark pants, and another farther to the right, dressed in dark clothing. Both are walking among the rocks. At the top of the hill, there is a small structure with what appears to be a solar panel or antenna. The sky is overcast, giving the scene a cool, muted tone.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A bright pink sea anemone with long, thin, wavy tentacles is nestled among small rocks, sand, and bits of seaweed in a shallow tide pool. The anemone's tentacles radiate outward in all directions, creating a soft, feathery appearance. Surrounding the anemone are clusters of brownish seaweed with white, bumpy textures, as well as some green algae and small shells scattered on the sandy bottom. The water is clear, allowing a detailed view of the marine life and textures in the tide pool.
Hopkins Rose Nudibranch – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rockpool scene with seaweed and a marine worm. The image shows a shallow pool of water at the edge of a sandy area, with several clumps of dark brown, leafy seaweed both above and below the water surface. Reflections on the water make some of the seaweed appear lighter and more diffuse. Near the right side of the image, partially camouflaged against the sand and seaweed, is a segmented marine worm with a pale, ringed body and a slightly thicker, rounded head. The worm is blending in well with its surroundings, making it a bit difficult to spot at first glance. The overall scene has a natural, coastal feel.
Two Spot Octopus – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Shallow tidal pool with sandy bottom, rocks, and seaweed. The water is clear, allowing a view of the sand and various marine plants beneath the surface. There are patches of green and purple seaweed attached to rocks, and a long, dark, fuzzy-looking strand of seaweed or kelp stretches diagonally across the left side of the image. The scene is calm and sunlit, with no visible animals present.
Two Spot Octopus – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Three people in outdoor uniforms and hats standing near the back of a white pickup truck. The truck bed is filled with collected debris, including metal cages, wood, and bags. One person is standing in the truck bed organizing the items, while the other two stand on the ground, one smiling at the camera and the other holding onto the truck. In front of them on the dry grass are two large, rusty wire cages. The setting appears to be a rural or coastal area with some buildings and palm trees in the background. The sky is cloudy.
Loading Trash into Truck – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Two people standing on a rocky, seaweed-covered shoreline with tide pools. The person in front is smiling and making a heart shape with their hands, while the person behind them is wearing a white hat and carrying a plastic bag and a walking stick. The background shows shallow water with rocks and patches of seaweed, and the overall scene looks like a coastal or intertidal area. The mood appears playful and relaxed.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/G. Junker
A bright orange-red starfish with five arms, two of which are partially tucked under its body, is resting in a shallow tide pool. The starfish is surrounded by green seagrass, brown seaweed, and wet sand. The water is clear and shallow, with small bits of shell and marine debris scattered around. The overall scene is natural and vibrant, showing a typical coastal tide pool environment.
Bat Star – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
A large marine snail attached to a rock. The snail has a thick, rounded shell with a dark brown and tan pattern, and its body is visible underneath, appearing soft and fleshy with a mottled texture. The shell has a yellowish edge near the top, and the snail's operculum (the hard, round "trapdoor" it uses to close its shell) is clearly visible in the center. The surrounding rock is wet and covered in patches of greenish algae and small barnacles, indicating a tide pool or intertidal zone environment.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
A shallow tide pool scene. The image shows clear water with a rocky bottom, scattered with smooth pebbles and larger stones. Two spiny lobsters are visible, one in the foreground and another partially hidden under a rocky overhang. There are clusters of purple and brown seaweed or marine algae, both attached to the rocks and floating in the water. The upper part of the image shows the underside of a rock ledge, also covered in purple algae. The water is calm and allows a clear view of the marine life and textures beneath the surface.
Spiny Lobsters – NPS Photo/D. Wieder
Three people loading debris and trash onto the back of a white pickup truck. The truck is parked on dry, brown grass in an open field. One person, wearing a blue shirt, gray pants, boots, and a tan cap, is standing on the tailgate arranging the pile of debris, which includes bags, metal, and wood pieces. Another person, in a light gray hoodie and tan cap, stands behind the truck, while a third person, also in a blue shirt and tan cap, is to the right, bending over and wearing gloves. In the background, there are white buildings with red roofs, palm trees, and a black-and-white lighthouse. The sky is overcast. In the foreground, there are two large plastic containers, one red and one white, on the ground. The scene suggests a cleanup effort, possibly on an island or coastal area.
Loading Trash into Truck – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A pair of large, shiny, black objects nestled in a rocky tidal pool. These objects are smooth and somewhat triangular or oval in shape, lying side by side and partially submerged in shallow water. Around them, there are patches of green seaweed, rough-textured rocks, and some yellowish-brown seaweed hanging down from above. The sandy bottom of the pool is visible, with small pebbles and bits of shell scattered around. The overall scene suggests a coastal or intertidal environment. The black objects are likely sea hares, a type of large marine mollusk.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A camouflaged octopus blending into a sandy and rocky tide pool. The octopus is difficult to spot at first because its skin matches the surrounding rocks and sand, with mottled patterns of grey, brown, and green. Its arms are spread out, and you can see some of its suckers. There are patches of green algae and some pinkish seaweed on the rocks nearby, and the water is shallow and clear. The octopus is well hidden, using its natural camouflage to blend into its environment.
Two Spot Octopus – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Three people and a pickup truck loaded with debris. The scene is outdoors on dry, brown grass. Two women and one man, all wearing work clothes, gloves, and hats, are gathered around the open tailgate of a white pickup truck. One woman stands in the truck bed among a pile of collected debris, including metal cages, nets, and various trash items. The other woman and the man stand on the ground, facing her and the truck. In the foreground, a large, empty wire cage sits on the ground. In the background, there are a few white buildings with red roofs, some palm trees, and a hillside with several dome-shaped structures. The sky is overcast. The group appears to be involved in a cleanup or removal operation.
Loading Trash into Truck – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline with two people walking. The foreground and midground are covered in large, rounded rocks and boulders, many of which are coated in green and brown seaweed or moss. There are patches of bright green algae or seagrass between the rocks. On the left side, there is a layered rock formation that looks like a small cliff. The sky is overcast and gray, and the ocean is visible in the background. The two people, one wearing a blue jacket and white hat and the other in darker clothing, are walking among the rocks, possibly exploring or collecting something. The scene feels cool, damp, and natural.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Two women with a pickup truck loaded with debris and old wire traps. One woman is standing in the truck bed with her arms raised and a big smile, wearing a light gray shirt, khaki pants, brown boots, gloves, and a tan cap. The other woman stands beside the truck, smiling and holding onto the side, dressed in a blue shirt, dark pants, brown boots, gloves, and a tan cap. The truck bed is filled with various items, including old wire cages, crates, and bags. The background shows dry grass, a hill, a lighthouse, and a few houses, suggesting a coastal or rural setting. The mood is cheerful and triumphant, likely after a successful cleanup effort.
Loading Trash into Truck – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Large, shiny, dark sea slug lying on wet sand and rocks. The creature is smooth, black, and somewhat oval-shaped, with a slightly wrinkled texture and a moist, glossy surface. It appears to be in a shallow tide pool, surrounded by some green sea grass and patches of algae. The animal is likely a type of sea hare, a marine mollusk known for its soft body and dark coloration.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A large, dark, shiny sea slug partially hidden among green grass and seaweed. The slug has a bumpy, textured surface and is lying on a damp, sandy ground. Its body is elongated and somewhat flattened, blending in with the surrounding vegetation. The overall appearance is wet and glossy, suggesting it is in a moist environment, possibly near the shore.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Older man in a park ranger uniform walking along a sandy path near the beach. He has a gray beard and is wearing a tan cap, blue shirt, and khaki pants. He is holding a trash picker in one hand and a white plastic bag in the other, collecting litter. The background is misty with the ocean barely visible, and there are bushes and a wooden fence with rope along the path. The man appears focused on picking up trash, helping to keep the area clean.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/G. Junker
A small, bright pink sea creature with many thin, spiky appendages radiating outward, resembling a soft, feathery flower or a sea slug, is seen underwater. It is resting on a piece of dark brown seaweed. The water is clear, and the background shows some blurry underwater rocks and green algae. The overall scene is calm and natural, with the pink creature standing out vividly against the muted tones of the seaweed and water.
Hopkins Rose Nudibranch – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
Large marine mollusk attached to a rocky surface. The animal has a thick, fleshy, tan-colored body with darker brown spots and a prominent, smooth, yellowish shell edge at the top. The mollusk is partially exposed, with its body extending out from under the shell and pressed against the rock, which is covered in barnacles, algae, and other small marine organisms. There is a small pool of water at the bottom of the image, reflecting part of the scene. The overall setting appears to be a tide pool or intertidal zone.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
Large, brownish sea slug with a smooth, leathery texture. The animal is curled into a loose spiral, with a central opening that reveals a lighter, creamy interior. Its surface shows subtle, radiating patterns and some mottled darker patches. The slug is resting on a rocky, algae-covered surface with some green seagrass strands draped across it. The background includes reddish and brownish marine growth, giving the scene a tidepool or intertidal zone appearance.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/D. Wieder
A cluster of small, tube-like structures attached to a rock in shallow water. The tubes are tightly packed together, forming a rough, irregular mat that is tan to light brown in color. Each tube has a small, round opening at the top, and the overall texture is bumpy and porous. The surrounding area includes some water, sand, and bits of seaweed or marine vegetation. This appears to be a colony of marine tube worms or possibly barnacles, commonly found in tidal pools along rocky shores.
Sandcastle Worms – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A large, shiny black sea slug partially submerged in a shallow tide pool, nestled under a rocky overhang. The slug has a smooth, glistening surface and is surrounded by wet sand, small patches of green and purple seaweed, and textured rock formations. The overall scene is natural and damp, typical of a rocky shoreline at low tide.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A cluster of seaweed and marine life on a rocky shore. The upper part of the image is dominated by dense, greenish-brown seaweed with finger-like fronds hanging down. Beneath the seaweed, there is a large, shiny, black, slug-like creature—likely a sea slug or sea hare—partially hidden under the seaweed. The surrounding area is a mix of wet sand, small pebbles, and various types of smaller seaweed in shades of brown, green, and reddish-purple. The environment appears to be a tidal rock pool at low tide, with some water visible in the upper left corner.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A tangled mass of yellowish, noodle-like strands attached to a rocky surface in a tide pool. The strands are likely a cluster of marine worm egg capsules or possibly sea slug eggs. Surrounding the mass are various types of seaweed and algae in shades of green, brown, and reddish-purple, clinging to the rocks and creating a textured, underwater environment. The overall scene is moist and vibrant, typical of a coastal intertidal zone.
Sea Hare Eggs – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Bright yellow sea slug nestled among green seagrass and pinkish-brown seaweed in a shallow tide pool. The sea slug has a smooth, rounded body with a slightly textured surface and is partially submerged in water. The surrounding environment includes rocks, shells, and various types of marine vegetation, creating a natural underwater habitat. The lighting highlights the vibrant color of the sea slug, making it stand out against the more muted tones of the plants and rocks.
Dorid – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline at low tide, covered with patches of green seaweed and tide pools. The sky is overcast, giving the scene a muted, grayish-blue tone. Four people are scattered across the landscape, each wearing jackets and hats, and appear to be exploring or searching among the rocks. The ocean is visible in the background with gentle waves, and a couple of birds are flying high in the sky. The overall atmosphere is calm and quiet, with a sense of exploration and nature.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A marine snail with a thick, rounded shell and a bright orange-yellow foot. The snail is partially out of its shell, with some sand sticking to its soft body. On top of the shell, there is a cluster of reddish, hair-like growths, possibly algae or a type of marine organism attached to the shell. The background is sandy and slightly blurred, indicating the snail is on a beach or tidal flat.
Kellet’s Whelk – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
A sea snail with a thick, rough shell partially covered in sand and reddish-brown seaweed. The shell has a mix of muted colors—gray, white, and a hint of green—with some bumpy textures. The snail’s yellowish-orange body is visible underneath, emerging from the shell and touching the sandy surface. The background is wet sand with scattered bits of seaweed.
Kellet’s Whelk – NPS Photo/P. Geisler
Rocky shoreline at low tide with two people. The foreground and midground are covered in rocks and green seaweed, with patches of brown and yellow algae. The ocean water is visible in the background, with more rocks and seaweed partially submerged. One person, wearing a light-colored cap and a blue jacket, stands on the left holding a white bag and a backpack. The other person, also wearing a light-colored cap and blue jacket, is further back and to the right, walking among the rocks and seaweed, also carrying a white bag. The scene appears overcast and cool, with muted natural colors.
Volunteers and Staff Picking Up Trash – NPS Photo/G. Junker
A large, shiny black sea slug lying on a bed of greenish-brown seaweed and rocks. The sea slug has a smooth, elongated body with a slightly wrinkled texture and a visible opening near one end. Its surface is wet and glossy, reflecting the light. The surrounding seaweed is dense and bushy, with thin, finger-like fronds. The rocks beneath are covered in patches of green and pink, with small barnacles and other marine life attached. The overall scene appears to be in a tidal pool or rocky shoreline environment.
Black Sea Hare – NPS Photo/R. Streeper
Rocky shoreline with a crab. In the center of the image, there is a crab with a dark shell and reddish claws sitting on a flat, light brown rock surface. The crab appears to be alive and facing slightly to the left. To the left of the crab, there is what looks like a small, pale crab shell or exoskeleton, possibly from a molt. The rocks have a rough, layered texture with various cracks and crevices, and there is a shadowy area beneath the crab, suggesting a small cave or depression in the rock. The overall scene looks like a coastal tide pool area.
Striped Shore Crabs – NPS Photo/D. Wieder
Large marine mollusk, likely a sea slug or sea hare, attached to a rock. The creature has a broad, rounded, and somewhat flattened body with a smooth, leathery texture. Its coloration is mostly grayish-brown with darker streaks radiating from a central point, giving it a sunburst pattern. At the top, there is a frilled, orange-edged mantle that looks slightly ruffled. The surrounding area is covered in purple-brown seaweed and some green seagrass strands. The overall scene is moist, suggesting a tide pool or intertidal zone.
Keyhole Limpet – NPS Photo/D. Wieder
A camouflaged octopus blends into sandy, shallow water, nearly invisible against the seabed.
Octopus – NPS Photo/C. Holt
People in boots exploring a rocky tide pool with seaweed, wet sand, and shallow water.
Watching an Octopus – NPS Photo/C. Holt
People in boots exploring a rocky tide pool with seaweed, wet sand, and shallow water.
Watching an Octopus – NPS Photo/C. Holt
People in boots exploring a rocky tide pool with seaweed, wet sand, and shallow water.
Watching an Octopus – NPS Photo/C. Holt
People in boots exploring a rocky tide pool with seaweed, wet sand, and shallow water.
Watching an Octopus – NPS Photo/C. Holt
A camouflaged octopus blends into sandy, shallow water, nearly invisible against the seabed.
Octopus – NPS Photo/C. Holt
A camouflaged octopus blends into sandy, shallow water, nearly invisible against the seabed.
Octopus – NPS Photo/C. Holt

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