LIMPETS: Long-term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students

Student Scientists on our Sanctuary Shores

Species

“Over 1,000 species of invertebrates and algae inhabit California’s rocky intertidal. Choosing which to monitor was no easy task!”

– Dr. John Pearse, scientific advisor for the LiMPETS program

There are 53 groups of algae and invertebrates targeted for this program. Each taxon or species was selected for one or more of the following reasons:

  • it is common and abundant at LiMPETS sites;
  • it is near the edge of its northern or southern distribution limits (e.g., sunburst anemones and pink acorn barnacles);
  • it is a major space competitor, predator, or herbivore (e.g., ochre sea stars and owl limpets);
  • it is sensitive to trampling, harvesting, or pollution (e.g., owl limpets, flattened rockweed, and surfgrass);
  • it is easy to recognize or to quantify in the field;
  • it is fun to monitor and catches the interest of those persons with short attention spans.